of,. | TC- 



[651 

MESSAGE 



FROM 



THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, 

TRANSMITTING, 

IN PURSUANCE OF A RESOLUTION OF THE HOUSE OF REPB& 

SENTATIVES, 

SUCH FURTHER INFORMATION, 
IN 

RELATION TO OUR AFFAIRS WITH SPAIN, 

A3, IN HIS OPINION, 

IS NOT INCONSISTENT WITH THE PUBLIC INTEREST T^ DIVULGE. 



/ 

( 



December 28, 1818. 
Read, and referred to the committee on Foreign Relations. 



WASHINGTON; 
PRINTED BY E. DE KRAFF? 



[65] 



ib the House of Representatives of the United States: 

In compliance with a resolution of the 15th instant, I lay before 
the House of Representatives, a report from the Secretary of State, 
with the papers and documents accompanying it. 

JAMES MONROE. 

December ZKh, 1818. 



£65] 



Department of State, December 23d t 1818* 

The Secretary of State, to whom has been referred a resolution of 
the House of Representatives of the 15th instant, requesting the Pre« 
sident to cause to be communicated to that House, such further cor- 
respondence and proceedings in relation to our affairs with Spain, as, 
in his opinion, it should not be inconsistent with the public interest to 
divulge, has the honorherewith to submit to the President, the copy of 
a letter of the 28th November, and an extract of one of the 2d of this 
month, from this Department to the minister plenipotentiary of the 
United States at Madrid, together with copies of the documents trans* 
xnitted with them, 

JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. 



[65] 7 

List of documents accompanying the message of the President of the Unit- 
ed States, complying with the resolution of the House of Repre- 
sentatives, of December 15, 1818. 

Letter of the Secretary of State, to G. W.Erving, Esq. Minister Plen- 
ipotentiary at Madrid, 28th November, and an extract from one 
of the 2d December, 1818, with the following enclosures: 

JVicholk, (coU) and his Negro Fort. 

1. Nicholls's proclamation, 29th August, 1814, and letter to Laffite 

31st August, 1814. 

2. (a. J Nicholls to Hawkins, 28th April, 1815. 

(b.J Extract 9th article, treaty of Ghent, and acceptance of it 
by three Indians. 

3. Nicholls to Hawkins, 12th May, 1815. 

4 &" 5. Hawkins to Nicholls, 24th and 28th May, 1815. 

6. (a. J Gaines, (gen.) to A. J. Dallas, Secretary of War, 14th 

May, 1815. 
(b J Jcrvais' (Samuel) deposition. 

7. Gaines, (gen.) to A. J. Dallas, 22d May, 1815. 

8- Memorandum of a gentleman of respectability at Bermuda 
21st May, 1815. 

9. Address from the Indians to the king of England, purporting 
also to be a treaty, lOih March, 1815; published in the Lon- 
don newspapers of 15th August, 1818. 

10. Mr. Monroe to Mr. Baker, iOih July, 1815, complaining of the 

conduct of Nicholls. 

11. Mr. Monroe to Mr. Adams, 21st July, 1815. 

12. (a.J Mr. Adams, to Mr. Monroe, Sec. of State, 19th Sep. 1815. 
C b J do. to Earl Bathurst, 25th September, 1S15. 

13. C a.J do. to Mr. Monroe, Sec of State, 8th Feb. 1816. 
(b.J do. to Lord Castlereagh, 21st March, 1316. 

14. Jackson, (gen.) to governor of Pensacola, 23d April, 1816. 

15. Zuniga, (gov ) to general Jackson, (answer,) 26th May, 1816. 

16. Amelung, (capt.) report to general Jackson, New Orleans, 4th 

June, 1316. 

17. Jackson, (gen.) to W. H. Crawford, Nashville, 15th June, 1816. 

18. (a.J Gaines, (gen.) to W. H. Crawlord, camp, near fort Jack- 

son, 30th April, 1816, with 
(b.J Talk from the Little Prince, Tustannugge Hopoy. 

19. Games, (gen.) to col. Clinch, Fort Montgomery, 23d May, 1816. 
20 - do - to com. Patterson, do. 22d Mav, 1816. 

21. Patterson, (com.) to lieutenant commandant Cha. E. Crawley, 

19th June, 1816. 

22. Patterson, (com ) to mailing master Jairus Loomis, 19th June, 

1816. ' 



8 £65] 

23. Loomis, (Jairus) to com. Patterson, 13th August, 1816. 

24. Patterson, (com.) to B. W. Crowninshield, Secretary of the 

Navy, 15th Aug. 1816. 

25. Kindelan, (gov.) to George Cockburn,18th February, 1815. 

JIazoty C Don Jose, ) Governor of Pensacola. 

26. Mazot to Jackson, 18th Februarv, 1818. 1 t f H 

27. Jackson, (gen.) to gov. Mazot, 16th March, 1818. J not I0U > 

28. do. do. 25th March, 1818. 

29. Mazot, (gov.) to generalJackson, 15th April, 1818. 
SO. Jackson, (gen.) to governor Mazot, 27th April, 18t8. 

31. Mazot, (gov.) to major \V. Youngs, 27th and 30th April, 1818. 

32. C a -J do* to general Jackson, 18ih May, 1818. 
(b.) Certificates from New Orleans and Pensacola. 

fc.J Defence of F. C. Luengo, commandant at St. Marks. 

33. Mazot, (gov.) to general Jackson, 23d May, 1818. 

34. Jackson, (gen.) to gov. Mazot, 23d and 24th May, 1818. 

35. Mazot, (gov.) to general Jackson, 24th May, 1818. 

36. Jackson, (gen.) to gov. Mazot, 25th May, 1818. 

37. (a. J Certificates and declarations of W. Russell and Jas. L. Bell 
(b.) do. of Richard Brickham and John 

Bonner. 

("c.J do. of W m. Hambly, 2 June, 1818. 

(d.) do. of J. Barrelas, G. Skeate, C. 

L« Jeune, and \V. Cooper, 
19th September, 1818. 

(e.J do. of Santiago Dauphin, and Jo- 

seph Bonefi. 

Cf.J do-. of Pierre Senac. 

frr.j do. of J. S. C'aro. 

(ii. J do. of C. Baron. 

38. Jackson, (gen.) to J. C. Calhoun, Sec. of War, 25th March, 1 818. 

39. do. do. 2d June, 1818. 

Luengo fF. C.J commandant at St. Maris. 

40. Jackson (gen.) to Secretary of War, 8th April, 1818. 

41. do. to F. C Luengo, 6th April, 1818. 

42. Luengo to Jackson, 7th April, 1818. 

43. (a.) Jackson to Luengo, 7th April, 1818. 
(b.) do. do. do. (noon.) 

44. Luengo to Jackson, (protest) 7th April, 1818. 

45. Certificate of Wm. Hambly, 24th July, 1818. 

46. (a.) W. Hambly and E. Doyle, to A. Jackson, 2d May, 1818. 
(b.) Gadbden, (James) to do. 3d May, 1818. 
(t.) Twiggs, (major) dc. do. 

fd.J Brooks. (Jar. R.}and Peter Cone do. do. 



[65] 9 

Ce.) Fraser, (A. F.) and D. F. Sullivan to A. Jackson, 2 May, 

1818. M . 

47. Ca) Arbuthnott to Nicholls, 26th Aug. 1817^ Courier news- 
fb.) Hambly to Arbuthnott, 10th May, [23d ' paper, (Lon- 

March,] 1817. \ don,) or 24th 

Ce.) Indian power to Arbuthnott, 17. Tune, 1817J Aug. 1818. 

48. Luengo to Arbuthnott, 23th December, 1817. 

Jlrbuthnott — Armbrister. 

49 Proceedings of the court martial upon their trials. 

50. Extracts from message, 23th March, 1818, p. 7, 8, 11, 12, 14,22. 

51. fa. J Gaines, (gen.) to Secretary of War, 2d December, 1817, 

with a talk to Indians. 
(b. ) Gaines, (gen.) to major Muhlenburg, Nov. 1817. 
fc ) Scott, (lieutenant) to general Gaines, 28th N v. 1817, 
Cd ) Gaines, (gen.) to captain Clinch, 30th Nov. 1817. 
m. Jackson to the Secretary of War, 20th April, 1818. 
„ do do. 26th April, 1818. 

"' do * do. 5th May, 1818. 

55 * do. do. 2d June, 1818. 

56*. Extract from message, 15th December, 1817, p. 42, (T. Wayne 

to B. Homans ) 
57 fa.) Extract from message, 26th March, 1818, p. 10; letter to 
the Secretary of State, 24th December, 1817, (ext.; 
(b.) Extract from message, 26th March, 1818, p. 12; paper in 
McGregor's hand writing, being instructions for sailing 
into Tampa Bay. 
c ; Extract from message, 26th March, 1818, p. 7; letter to a 
gentleman in the District of Columbia, 30th July, 1817. 
'd ) Extract from message, 26th March, 1818, p. 9; M'Gregor 
to a gentleman in Baltimore, Nassau, 27th December, 

"ej Extract 'from message, 26th March 1818, p. 10; extract 
from intended proclamation to inhabitants of the Hon- 
das, in M'Gregors hand writing. 
53 Extracts from the testimony of L.Phemx, J. S. Arbuthnott, and 

P. B. Cook, on the trial of Armbrister. 
59. Armbrister's memorial to the Duke of York. 

60 do. commission from admiral Cochrane as auxiliary 
second lieutenant of the corps of colonial marines, sent " to 
the creek nations, for the purpose of training to arms such 
Indians, and others, as may be friendly to, and willing to fight 
under the standard- of his (Britannic) majesty." 25th July, 

61 Cook, (P. B.) to Eliz. AXarney, Suwahne, 1 9th January, 1818. 
62*. Duplicate draft of A. Arbuthnott to W. Hambly, 3d May, 1817. 

63. Indian talk to Tustonaky TWacco. 

64. Duplicate draftof letter, A. Arbuthnott to C. Bagot, [Aug. 1817J 



66. Boleck to governor r;„„°"'M U S- 7th - 'S'S- 

68. Arbuthnott's journal, (one sh f e ;f' h ° e «™ b «-. >«?«. 

m r 1?1" ,. s t0comma "din goffic 7 rP „„ ™. am ° n E h,s papers. 

TO. Culloh, (A.) toArbuthnott! May ,«!- & " ne ' , > 3d M«rch, I8 ,r. 

71. Paper without date or sicnatore . 

the paper marked Ifo 4 „ L? P ° Se ,- t0 be the »"-« to 

72 A*&" '^ tHa ' ° f A '»- "o,t ^"^'^ ° f th <= «»« tnar- 

72. Arbuthnott to general Mi^u 11 t 

n.ar,i,l p4SwO ^ 18 ' 8 ' ^ 6 > in »»" 












[653 11 



The Secretary of State to George W. Erving, %, 



No. 7. 



Department of State, 

Washington, 28th November, 181 & 

George W. Erving, Minister Plenipotentiary to Spain, Madrtd 
SIR, 

Your despatches, to No. 92, inclusive, with their *»**»». 
have been rece.vedat this department. Among he e enc osures are 
the several notes addressed to you, by Mr Pizarro in tlaY I 

transactions during the campaign of ge.e^^Vfcfe^ 
n*nole Indians and the banditti of negroes combined wfth then and 

In the fourth and last of those notes of Mr. Pizarro he h« ™, 
formal nonce, that the king, his master, has ifsued o'rd rs fcfrthe 
suspension of the negotiation between the United States and Snain 
»nul satisfaction shall have been made by the Amer n govtrnSn? 
ohun, lor these proceedings of general Jackson, which he cons Sera 

s acts of unequivocal hostility against him, and as outrages upon hb 

bonor and dignity, the only acceptable atonement for whfch instated 

•o consist in a i disavowal of the acts of the American general Sn, 

:ompiained of; the infliction upon him, of a suitabl "unl hm nt ^or 

S ,T° S , ed m,sc r onduct » «"><* ^e restitution of the posts andTerri o- 

cs taken by him from the Spanish authorities, with indemnity fo all 
he property taken, and all damages and injuries, public oJ private 
sustained in consequence of it. private, 

i^ce^ed V wlth f r day 7 f i er thlS notificatio «. Mr. Pizarro must 
we received, with copies of the correspondence between Mr Onia 
indHhis department, the determination which had bew taken iv the 
Present to restore the places of Pensacola with the to of Barran- 

he'm an7,r r f° n P JT r fe authorized on the part of Spain to receive 
1 em and the fort of St. Marks, to any Spanish force adequate to its 
rotecticn against the Indians, by whom its f orcib le occupation hS 



12 [65J 

been threatened, for purposes of hostility against the United States. 
The officer commanding at the post, has been directed to consider 
250 men as such adequate force, and in case of their appearance with 
proper authority, to deliver it up to their commander accordingly. 

From the last mentioned correspondence, the Spanish govern- 
ment must likewise have been satisfitd that the occupation of these 
places in Spanish Florida, by the commander of the American forces, 
was ntJt by virtue of any orders received by him from this govern- 
ment, to that tflect, nor with any view of wresting the province from 
the possession of Spain, nor in any spirit of hostility to the Spanish 
government; that it arose from incidents, which occurred in the pro- 
secution of the war against the Indians, from the imminent danger in 
which the fort of St. Marks was of being seized by the Indians them- 
selves, and from the manifestations of hostility to the United States, 
bv the commandant of St. Marks, and the governor ol Pensacola, the 
proofs of which were made known to general Jackson, and impelled 
him, from the necessities of self-defence, to the steps of which the 
Spanish government complains. 

It might be sufficient to leave the vindication of these measures, 
upon those grounds, and to furnish, in the enclosed copies ol general 
Jackson's letters, and the vouchers by which they are supported, the 
evidence of that hostile spirit on the part of the Spanish commanders, 
but for the terms in which Mr. Pizarro speaks of the execution of 
two British subjects, taken one at the foil of St. Marks, and the other 
at Suwany, and the intimation that these transactions may lead to a 
change in the relations between the two nations, which is doubtless 
intended to be understood as a menace of war. * 

It may be therefore proper to remind the government of his 
catholic majesty, of the incidents in which this Seminole war origi- 
nated, as well as of the circumstances connected with it in the rela- 
tions between Spain and her ally, whom she supposes to have been 
injured by the proceedings of general Jackson; and to give to the 
Spanish cabinet some precise information of the nature of the busi- 
ness, peculiarly interesting to Spain, in which these subjects of her 
allies, in whose favor she takes this interest, were engaged, when 
their projects of every kind were terminated in consequence of their 
falling into the hands of general Jackson. 

In the month of August, 1814, while a war existed between the 
United States and Great Britain, to which Spain had formally de- 
clared herself neutral, a British force, not in the fresh pursuit of a de- 
feated and flying enemy, not overstepping an imaginary, and equi- 
vocal boundary between their own territories, and those belonging in 
some sort, as "much to their enemy as to Spain; but approaching by- 
sea, and by a broad and open invasion of the Spanish province, at a 
thousand miles, or an ocean's distance from any British territory, 
landed in Florida, took possession of Pensacola, and the fort of Bar- 



L 65] 



13 



--ocas and invited by public proclamations, [doc. l.j all the runaway 

n^l^s mg lld\^ the ?»*™>™ d aii th u e trauoj ; s i ? hi 

country Xm they knew, or imagined to exist w.thm reach of thetr 
U m 23to oin their standard, and wage an exterminating war 
2 portion of the United States, immediately Jeering up- 

of hb neJral, and thus violated territory of Spam The land com- 
Zander of this British force, was a certain colonel Nicholls, who, 
" . m Pensacola, by the approach of general Jackson : ic uallv 

■ down up, the Spanish fort of Barrancas, when he found 
d olrd him protection; and evacuating that part o! the 
province^ landed at another, established himself on the ApalachicoU 
nvV and there erected a fort, from which to sally forth with his 
modey tribe of black, white, and red combatants, against the : ddence- 
less borders of the United States, in that vicinity. A part ot this 
force consisted of a corps of colonial marines, levied in the British 
colonic, in which George Woodbine was a captain, and Robert 
Christie Armbrister was a lieutenant. [2 6. 5y. ou.j 

As between the United States and Great Britain we should be 
willing to bury this transaction in the same grave of oblivion with 
other transactions of that war, had the hostihties of colonel Nicholls 
terminated with the war. But he did not consider the peace which 
ensu d between the United States and Great Britain, as having put 
an end, either to his military occupations, or to his negocations with 
t he Inians, against the United States. Several months after the rat- 
^J^rfdA«-y.QfOhent t he retained his post and his party- 
colored forces, in military array. By the ninth article of that treaty, 
f 2 T] the United States had stipulated to put an end, immediately 
after its ratification, to hostilities with all the tribes or nations of In- 
dians, with whom they might be at war, at the time of the ratifica- 
tlon, and to restore to them all the possessions wh.ch they had en- 
joyed in the year 1811. This article had no application to the Creek 
U'on, with whom the United States had already made peace, by a 
ratv concluded on the ninth day of August, 1814, more than four 
months before the treaty of Ghent was signed Yet colonel Nicho s 
not only affected to consider it as applying to the Seminoles of Flori- 
da an/the outlawed Red Sticks, whom he had induced to join him 
Sre but actually persuaded them that they were entitled, by virtue 
of h'e t eaty of Ghent, to all the lands which had belong- to the 
Creek «*t\oi within the United States, in the year 1811, and that the 
government of Great Britain would support them m that pretension 
He asserted [2 a c] also this doctrine in a correspondence with 
c one Hawks, then the agent of the United States, with toe 
C eeks. and gave him notice in their name, with a mockery of so- 
lemnity, [9.1 that they had concluded a treaty of alliance, offensive 
anTdef^nsive, and a treaty of navigation and commerce with Great 
Britain, of which more was to be heard after it should be ratified in 
England. Colonel Nicholls then evacuated im fort, which in some 



J.6 5J 



of the enclosed naners U /- q ji i u r 

J? had d«o»iaSfi f ViSSl C " at k Pros P"t Bluf, but winch 

«<* the .hit. portion Jf STfotf^S 1 th l A P»^hicol a; took w h 

several of the w H retchtd M ™^1 ** Priced for England w h 

iate among whom was lh ?*££* °» ** was *« deluding to fc * 

he fort, amply supp]ied JL^h^'^^Hrttfinah* 

the negro department of his rflfc. 7, S£ores and ammunitions, to 

nameoi the Negro Fort. ' ^^ards was known by (he 

£ co^ n ^r^f S ' ~ate d to th, g OVCrnment 

(copies of which marked N , 1 °' ' h ° re «*"** to 
"Pon which, Mr. Monroe then V ' are her «*"h enclosed) 
^«er [10.J to Mr. Btti. *£ ^W of State, addressed 'a 
W-h.ngton, complaining of Ni,^ 1 ? 11 Ch , a ^ d> Affaires at 
fat h,s pretence, that the finth ardde of i C ° ndUCt> *"* * h ™>£ 
have any application to his Indian* . the , treat - v of "bent, could 

»?n Copies of the same ™ ' *? """^ d estftute of found! 
minister of the D«it € d iStes S! S fr i^ trans -"ted to t 
to remonstrate with the BHrfjlT tn Sland f with instructions fi i l 

of Nicholl., and to sh ^SS iS^^S" again8t these Proce'd^J 
-hich had been concluded b «w ecnT" *** "** ^ *^SL 
prances were accordingly made first nn ° "f- 1 ' " 8 ' Th ^ re no 
hurst and lord Castlefeagh and a r J ZT^ ^^ w «« «rl B»- 
ed success^ ly tOfhom.iSffr^SATi^ T™ n ° tCS add «<- 
vvnh extracts from the despatches of .h [ a ** ' 13 ' a * *•] together 
Secretary of State, reporting v h- t D l Sf Americ « ministers to the 
dosed.) Lord Bathurst, Sf the mSIf d " th ° SC inte "iews, are en! 
ed the facts, and disavowed the" ° UDeqUIV .° Cal m *™^< on, n 
disapprobation of the pretend^ m,8con d"ct of Nicholls; declared ht 
-■e which he had ^Ta^ 

-Kntish goverument had refused to r^-»T Can min 'stcr that the 
£*« the Indians, whom Nicholls haJ ffi *? "^ and wooId.«nd 
to make their peace on such t™, u^"^ with him > Vith advui, 
lereagh confirmed the J^rawTS.?.? ^ *"" ° bcai »' «ord CasT 
■!' ld «i at the same timetha h se a ! *" <"»* ™>uld not be raVm ed 
^cnons of public notone ^ w 1™^^ giVe "> <*"»» u£' 

! «\d he was actually honored w i h a ! t0 - th - e pr °P het »»» Had o 
" » ^ be presumed that dW fL™* 1 ** 10 * aS a British office^ 

U »»eo a-^^S^-J- ^-vage ho^£ s ^^ 

heatedly and earnestly d^ a :o^d ng "* ,B * «W* havlngte, 

-toe nerrro fm-f u~ 
»'"i.«d on the S U ', SS eW ! aba «'oned by colonel K; , „ 

ince Ch oi th r?r ""I ' nal ^actor s , [li ] J , " S a re «P«cfe 



[65] 



15 

1816, general Jackson wrote a letter to the vavernAr nf t> r 

calling upon him to put down this col „ 6 P , £nSaC ° Ia ' 

able inhabitants of both countries ™w 1™*™°* to f c P eace " 
the answer of the governor of Pensaco la r i A 'T^ with 
communicated to the Spanish n L st er he e id'bl hi* l^T ^ 
his government. Copies of them Iln | 1 I " ^J ** 
ed; particularly as the letter from tewew^^iFT "^ 
this fort, constructed by m^llT-mvl^^S^!^ 1 ^^ 
and neutrality of Spain, was stillno l ess oitZZ^ u! ^ ^^ 
than to the United States; but that he had nefther , fl S g T r ° ment 
authority without orders from the govern " n er of X H™' '^ 
to destroy it. It was afterwards 5 [23 1 on & he 27th of T f "?« J 
destroyed by a cannon shot from a gun vessel of the ?T„S'* 816 ' 
wh.ch in its passage up the, iver, Ls ed uoo J^ I *J* 

Spanish Florida, and as the successor of colonel \S i 
ployment of instigating the toiod^o'^^ISS fef"* 
to hostiht.es against the United States bv reviving Ys f S 

they were entitled to all the lands which h,d b e feded CTr *? 
nation to the United States, in Autrust 1814 T J i CrCek 

mustbe known to the Spanish government whether ArbXo t had'a 
Spanish licence for trad ng with the Inrlhn* in c„ ■ I i?i °" hatia 

•"train. In his infernal instigations he was but too successful rig i 

land rsoTthi^ ll,sHa W "« 1 . rned fr ° mhis «pedition t >Eng. 
una, (50,) than the peaceful inhabitants on the borders of the United 

&££w .r'J 1 the horro ; s of sa ^ e -^the tlbe ; 

&^£^ ***""" Und indis ™-t, murder of wo. 

throuthTbetmm^nr 03 ^ 13130 ^' ^»« aud off - s of P^e, 

State. 8 hid be." >- '" '"^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ° f ^ ™ ted 

UchLJ; 40 J < °r ly bj renCWed out ^ges, and after a 
f 4 ° men ' unaer ^tenant Scott, [51 a] accompanied 



de- 
zd bv 



16 I65j 

seven women, had been waylaid and murdered by the Indians, [61^ 
orders were given to general Jackson, and an adequate force was 
placed at his disposal to terminate the war. It was ascertained, that 
the Spanish force in Florida was inadequate for the protection even of 
the Spanish territory itself, against this mingled horde of lawless In- 
dians and negroes; and although their devastations were committed 
within the limits of the United States, they immediately sought re- 
fuge within the Florida line, and there only were to be overtaken. 
The necessitv of crossing the line was indispensable; for it was from 
bevorid the line that the Indians made their murderous incursions 
within that of the United State. It was there that they had their 
abode; and the territory belonged in fact to them, although within 
the borders of the Spanish jurisdiction. There it was that the Ame- 
rican commander met the principal resistance from them; there it 
was that were found [38] the still bleeding scalps of our citizens, 
freshly butchered by them; there it was that he released the only 
•woman who had been suffered to survive the massacre of the party 
under lieutenant Scott. But it was not anticipated by this govern- 
ment, that the commanding officers of Spain in Florida, whose espe- 
cial duty it was, in conformity to the solemn engagements contracted 
by their nation, to restrain by force those Indians from hostilities 
against the United States, would be found encouraging, aiding, and 
abetting them, and furnishing them supplies for carrying on such hos- 
tilities. The officer in command immediately before general Jack- 
son, was therefore specially instructed to respect as far as possible the 
Spanish authority, wherever it was maintained; and copies of those 
orders were also furnished to general Jackson, upon his taking the 
command. 

In the course of his pursuit, as he approached St. Marks, he was 
informed direct from the governor of Pensacola, that a party of the 
hostile Indians had threatened to seize that tort, and that he apprehend- 
ed the Spanish garrison there was not in strength sufficient to defend 
it against them. This information was confirmed from other sources; 
and, by the evidence produced upon the trial of Armbrister, is prov- 
ed to have been exactly true S5v all the laws of neutrality, and ot 
war, as well as of prudence and of humanity, he was warranted in an- 
ticipating his enemy by the amicable, and, that being refused, by the 
forcible occupation of the fort. There will need no citations from 
printed treatises on international law, to prove the correctness of this 
princ pie. It rs engraved in adamant on the common sense of man- 
kind. No writer upon the laws of nations, ever pretended to contra- 
dict it. None, of any reputation or authority, ever omitted to assert 
it. 

At fort St. Marks, Alexander Arbuthnott, the British Indian 
trader from beyond the seas, the fire-brand, by whose touch this ne- 
gro-Indian war against our borders had been rekindled, was found 
[34] an inmate of the commandant's family. And it was also found, 
that, by the commandant himself, councils of war had been permitted 



[65] 



17 



to be held within it by the savage chiefs and warriors; that the Spanish 
storehouses had been appropriated to their use; that it was an open 
market for cattle, known to have been robbed by them from citizens 
of the United States, and which had been contracted for and purchas- 
ed by the officers of the garrison; that information had been afforded 
from this fort by Arbuthnott to the enemy, of the strength and move- 
ments of the American army; that the date of departure of express 
had been noted by the Spanish commissary, and ammum ion, muni- 
tions of war, and all necessary supplies, furnished to the Indians. 

The conduct of the governor of Pensacola was not less marked 
by a disposition of enmity to the United States, and by an utter dis- 
regard to the obligations of the treaty, by which he was bound to re- 
strain by force the Indians from hostilities against them. When call- 
ed upon to vindicate the territorial rights and authority of Spain, by 
the destruction of the negro fort, his predecessor had declared it to 
be not less annoying and pernicious to the Spanish subjects in Florida, 
than to the United States, hit had pleaded his inability to subdue it 
He himself had expressed his apprehensions, that fort St. Marks would 
be forcibly taken by the savages from its Spanish garrison; yet, at the 
same time, he had refused the passage up the Escambia river, unless 
upon the payment of excessive duties, to provisions, destined a.» sup- 
plies for the American army, which, by the detention of th< ..., wa ; 
subjected to the most distressing privations. He had be I'm 11V ] free 
ingress and egress at Pensacola to the avowed savage enemies f the 
United States. Supplies of ammunition, munitions of war and pro- 
visions had been received by them from thence. They fiau he en re- 
ceived and sheltered there, from the pursuit of the American forces, 
and suffered again to sally thence, to enter upon the American terri- 
tory and commit new murders. Finally, on the approach of general 
Jackson to Pensacola, the governor sent him a letter, [33] denouncing 
his entry upon the territory of Florida, as a violent outrage upon the. 
rights of Spain, commanding him to depart and withdraw from the 
same, and threatening in case of his non-compliance to employ force 
to expel him. 

It became therefore, in the opinion of general Jackson, [54] in- 
dispensably necessary to take from the governor of Pensacola the 
means of carrying his threat into execution. Before the forces un- 
der his command, the savage enemies of his country had disappeared. 
But he knew that the moment those forces should be disbanded, if 
sheltered by Spanish fortresses, if furnished with ammunitions and 
supplies by Spanish officers, and if aided and supported by the insti- 
gation of Spanish encouragement, as he had every reason to expect 
they would be, thev would re-appear, and, fired, in addition to their 
ordinary ferociousness, with revenge for the chastisement they had 
so recently received, would again rush with the war-hatchet and the 
scalping-knife, into the borders of the United States, and mark every 
footstep with the blood of their defenceless citizens. So far as all 
the native resources of the savage extended, the war was at an end fi 



11 [65j 

tnd general Jacksou was about to restore to their families end thei* 
hemes, the brave volunteers who had followed his standard, and who 
had constituted the principal part of his force. This could be done 
with safety, leaving the regular portion of his troops to garrison his 
line of fort6, and two small detachments of volunteer cavalry to scour 
the country round Pensacola, and sweep off the lurking remnant of 
savages, who had been scattered and dispersed before him. This 
was sufficient to keep in check the remnant of the banditti, against 
whom he had marched, so long as they should be destitute of other 
aid and support. It was in his judgment not sufficient, if they should 
be suffered to rally their numbers under the protection of Spanish 
forts, and to derive new strength from the impotence or the ill will 
against the United States of the Spanish authorities. 

He took possession therefore of Pensacola, and of the fort of 
Barrancas, as he had done of St. Marks, not in a spirit of hostility to 
Spain, but as a necessary measure of self-defence; giving notice that 
they should be restored whenever Spain should place commanders 
and a force there, able and willing to fulfil the engagements of Spain 
towards the United States, of restraining by force the Florida Indians 
from hostilities against their citizens. The President of the United 
States, to give a signal manifestation of his confidence in the disposi- 
tion of the king of Spain, to perform with good faith this indispensa- 
ble engagement, and to demonstrate to the world, that neither the de- 
sire of conquest, nor hostility to Spain, had any influence in the coun- 
cils of the United States, has directed the unconditional restoration 
to any Spanish officer, duly authorized to receive them, of Pensaco- 
la, and the Barrancas, and that of St. Marks to any Spanish force 
adequate for its defence, against the attack of the savages But the 
President will neither inflict punishment, nor pas3 a censure, upon 
general Jackson, for that conduct, the motives for which were found- 
ed in the purest patriotism; of the necessity for which he had the 
most immediate and effectual means of forming a judgment; and the 
vindication of which is written in every page of the law of nations, as 
well as in the first law of nature, self-defence. He thinks it, On the 
contrary, due to the justice, which the United States have a right to 
claim from Spain, and you are accordingly instructed to demand of 
the Spanish government, that inquiry shall, be instituted into the con- 
duct of Don Jose Mazot governor of Pensacola, and of Don Francis- 
co C. Luengo, commandant of St. Marks, and a suitable punishment 
inflicted upon them, for having, in defiance and violation of the en- 
gagements of Spain with the United States, aided and assisted these 
hordes of savages, in those very hostilities against the United States, 
which it was their official duty to restrain. This inquiry is due to 
the character of those officers themselves, and to the honor of the 
Spanish government. The obligation of Spain, to restrain by force, 
the Indians of Florida, from hostilities against the United States and 
their citizens, is explicit, is positive, is unqualified. The fact, that 
for a series of year?, they have received shelter, assistance, supplies. 



[6 5 J 



1£ 



and protection, in the practice of such hostilities, from the Spanish 
commanders in Florida, is clear and unequivocal. If, as the com- 
manders, both at Pensacola and St. Marks have alleged.[32 42] 
this has been the result of their weakness, rather than of their will, it 
they have assisted the Indians against the United States, to avert their 
hostilities from the province which they had not sufficient force to de- 
fend aeainst them, it may serve in some measure to exculpate, indi- 
vidually, those officers; but it must carry demonstration irresistible 
to the Spanish government, that the right of the United States can as 
little compound with impotence as with perfidy, and that Spam must 
immediately make her election, either to place a force in Florida, 
adequate at once to the protection of her territory, and to the fulfil- 
ment of her engagements, or cede to the United States a province, 
of which she retains nothing but the nominal possession, but which is 
in fact a derelict, open to the occupancy of every enemy, civilized or 
savage, of the United States, and serving no other earthly purpose, 
than as a post of annoyance to them. 

That the purposes, as well of the negro-Indian banditti, with 
whom we have been contending, as of the British invaders of Flori- 
da who first assembled and employed them, and of the British in- 
truding and pretended traders, since the peace, who have instigated, 
and betrayed them to destruction, have been not less hostile to Spain 
than to the United States, the proofs, contained in the documents 
herewith enclosed, are conclusive. Mr. Pizarro's note of 29th Au- 
Kust, speaks of his catholic majesty's profound indignation at the 'san- 
guinary executions on the Spanish soil of the subjects of powers m 
amity with the king;" meaning Arbuthnott and Armbnster. Let Mr. 
Pizarro's successor take the trouble of reading the enclosed docu- 
ments, r*9, 58,1 and he will discover who Arbuthnott and Armbnster 
were, and what were their purpose.; that Arbuthnott was only the 
successor of NichoHa,and Armbrister the agent of Woodbine and the 
subaltern of M'Gregor. Mr. Pizarro qualifies general Jackson s 
necessary pursuit of a defeated savage enemy beyond the Spanish 
Florida line, ^ * shameful invasion of his majesty s territory. Yet 
that territory was the territory also of the savage enemy, and Ihpain 
was bound to restrain them by force from hostilities against the United 
States: and it was the failure of Spain to fulfil this engagement,which 
had made it .necessary for general Jackson to pursue the savage 
across the line. What then was the character of Nicholls s invasion 
of his maiestv's territory, and where was his majesty's profound in- 
dication at 'that? Mr. Pizarro says, his majesty's forts and places 
have been violently seized on by general Jackson. Had they not 
been seized on, nay had not the principal of his forts been blown up, 
bv Nicholls, and a British fort on the same Spanish territory beea 
erected during the war, and left standing as a negro fort, m defiance 
of Soanish authority, after the peace? Where was his majesty s pro- 
found indignation at that? Has his majesty suspended formally all 
negotiation with the sovereign of colonel Nicholls, for this shameful 



29 ' C65] 



'• • • _ 

p"" -c^ without pre. 

his majesty given solemn warSL „ n ™! ° f a P rettxt? «« 
these were incidents "of transcendent mr '^ ^vernmeot, that 

an essential and thorough ch an T in tl mon ?. f !"' <*paWe of producing 
countries." Nichollsand Woo3bi„ in thf "'" re,alioD8 of the <"o 
es to the slaves to run away Cn. X r ,DV,tltio * a " d Promis- 
not confine themselves to tZ.££ rfLnTi 2 ndj ° in **». did 
ecived with as hearty a wtlcomt ? the , Un ^d States. They re- 
Je fugitive, from ^t^ltSZ^T T* <^> 
Against this special iniurv rht ,n ' Jor,da » as those from Georgia 
remonstrate wifh the £332 IdSco"^ ^"e^ d '' d «™2 £ 
^rked 25.] But against £ ^WW "">• ■ [See th ^ocumeru 
»Sa,n 5 t the violent seture of he Ci/ti TT ? ^ ° f ,he terr ^ 
™gup of the Barrancas, and the ere, P T*'' against lhe hh >^ 
^f^ersofthenegrXtl^ 

tion, by a British officer, f„ thTmuL nT «"'; against the negotia- 
offensive and defensive, and of nTvi ' t P /' ° f P retend ed treaties, 
«h territory, between Great BrlZlZ^ ^JlTT^ U P°" Span.' 
was bound to control and rest, T \* Wsh H* 1 ™*' whom Spain 
ever wafted from Madrid t London L^ T «P°«^ationw a s 
across the Atlantic, nor enerZr I Wa8 J otloud en ""gh to be heard 
walls of , he palace; from ^ i^t^*^ ^°" d ** 

1 he connexion between Arbuthnott »H K T» " WaS borr ' e ' 
Armbnster, Woodbine and JVrGr. • , N?cho,ls > and between 

tion, by the evidence produced P at T' " ?? M i"'M ^ all que9 . 
I have already remark tc y OU on \h * *' f OU ' rt "W 

stance, that a British trader, f 0rn bevond t^ "^J*™* c.rcum- 
ted by the Spanish authorities rnt'i-t f ea ' 9hou,d be Permit- 
From his letter to Hambly d" °d 3d u"'* fi he ^^ of Korida. 
marked Gin the proceeding f of tbeco^ Vf"" the docu »« 
trading was but a pretence^d hat h '"j™™ 3 W " a PPears.that his 
as the agent of the Indians^ Florida ITT* P f P ° Se Was to *« 
to obtain the aid of the Brri'h «I ? Ul! * Wa * rom the Greeks 

the United States. He x^i ^ITn -^eir hostilities agam t ' 
of those outlaws was the nriTin i * f mbI >" there > th at the chief 

the country; „«, that £« "£' *J* (Arbutbnott's) bei^'h 



If 1 

between 



oils had faded in his attemofto Z \ U buthav »»g'ound that Mich- 
to pursue this clandeSar Hie *T ** B ™ 8 " governm ent 
were not prepared to support 1 is Vel ' ,! ^/f Ce ! and that 'hey 
fugitives Irom the Creek S P Wc re the fV 1' *" ^ 3 d ° Zen ° utla ^ 
the ,nc e „d,ary, came, and was insLadH T^,'* Whe " Arb "thnott, 
port from Great Britain, to I Sfe X^!^ 



:»■ murderous incursions 



[AS] 



21 



into the United States, Hambly, at the request of the chiefs of the 
Creeks themselves, wrote to him, [47, 6.] warning him to withdraw 
from among that band of outlaws, and giving him a solemn foreboding 
of the doom that awaited him from the hand of justice, if he persevered 
in the course that he pursued. Arbuthnott nevertheless persisted; and 
while he was deluding the wretched Indians with the promise of sup° 
port from England, he was writing letters for them [49, B. C. D. E. F.] 
to the British minister in the United States, to governor Cameron of 
New Providence, to colonel Nicholls, to be laid before the British 
governmeut, and even to the Spanish governor of St. Augustine, 
and the governor general of the Havana, [H. n. 2.] soliciting, in all 
quarters, aid and support, arms and ammunition, for the Indians 
against the United States, bewailing the destruction of the negro fort, 
and charging the British government with having drawn the Indians 
into war with the United States, and deserting them after the peace. 
You will remark, among the papers produced on his trial, a pow- 
er of attorney, [49 n. 1.] dated 17th June, 1817, given him by twelve 
Indians, partly of Florida, and partly of the fugitive outlaws from the 
United States. lie states that this power, and his instructions, were 
to memorialize the British government and the governor general of 
the Havana. These papers are not only substantially proved, as of 
his hand writing, on the trial, but in the daily newspapers of London, 
of the 24th and 25th of August last, his letter to Nicholls [compare 
47 a. and 49 F.] is published, (somewhat curiously garbled) with a co» 
py [i7 b.~\ of Hambly's abovementioned letter to him, and a reference 
to this Indian power of attorney to him, [compare 47 c. and 49 n. 1] 
approved by the commandant of St. Marks, F. C. Luengo. Another c: 
the papers, is a letter written in the name of the same chiefs, by Ar 
buthnott, to the governor general of the Havana, [49 H.] asking o 
him permission for Arbuthnott to establish a warehouse on the Apala-f 
chicola; bitterly and falsely complaining, that the Americans had 
made settlements on their lands within the Spanish lines; and calling 
upon the governor general to give orders to displace them, and sen* 
them back to their own country. In this letter, they assign as a rea- 
son for asking the license for Arbuthnott, their want of a person tp 
put in writing for them their talks of grievances against the Ameri- 
cans: and they add, "The commander of the fort of St. Marks han 
heard all of our talks and complaints. He approves of what we haw 
done, and what we are doing; and it is by his recommendation wje 
have thus presumed to address your excellency." You will fir.u 
these papers in the printed newspapers enclosed, and in the proceed- 
ings of the court martial, and will point them out to the Spanish g<&* 
vernment, not only as decisive proofs of the unexampled compliances 
of the Spanish officers in Florida, to foreign, intrusive agents and iik« 
stigators ot Indian hostilities against the United Stages, but as placing 
beyond a doubt that participation of this hostile spirit in the com- 
mandant of St. Marks, which general Jackson so justly complains of, 
and of which we have so well founded a right to demand the punis'i- 



SS [6*3 

fpent. Here is the commandant of a Spanish fort, bound by the 
sacred engagement of a treaty, to restrain by force the Indians within 
his command from committing hostilities against the United States, 
conspiring with those same Indians,, and deliberately giving his writ- 
ten approbation to their appointment of a foreigner, a British subject, 
as their agent to solicit assistance and supplies from the governor 
-general of the Havana, and from the British government, for carry- j 
ing on those same hostilities^ I 

Let us come to the case of Armbrister. He was taken in arms; t 
leading and commanding the Indians in the war against the American 
troops; and to that charge, upon his trial, pleaded guilty But the ij 
primary object of his coming there, was still more hostile to Spain 
than to the United States. You find [58] that he told three of the I 
witnesses who testified at his trial, that he had come to this country 
upon Mr. Woodbinds business at Tampa Bay, to see the negroes right* 
ed; and one of them, that he had a commission in the patriot army 
binder MGregor, and that he had expected a captaincy. And what i 
was the intended business of M'Gregor and Woodbine at Tampa 
Bay? It was the conquest of Florida from Spain, by the use of those 
•very Indians and negroes whom the commandant of St. Marks was 
so ready to aid and support in war against the United States. The 
.chain of proof that establishes this fact, is contained in the documents 
communicated by the President to Congress, at their last session, relate 
ing to the occupation of Amelia Island by M'Gregor. From these docu- 
ments you will find [56. 57, a.] that, while M'Gregor was there, Wood- 
bine went from New Providence, in a schooner of his own, to join him; 
shat he arrived at Amelia Island just as M'Gregor, abandoning the 
•companions of his achievement there, was leaving it; that M'Gregor, 
quitting the vessel in which he had embarked at Amelia, went on 
jboard that of Woodbine, and returned with him to New Providence; 
Sthat Woodbine had persuaded him they could yet accomplish the 
conquest of Florida, with soldiers to be recruited at Nassau, from 
the corps of colonial marines, which had served under Nicholls dur- 
ing the late war with the United States, which corps had been lately 
disbanded, and with negroes to be found at Tampa B a >'» and 1500 
Indians, already then engaged to Woodbine, who pretended that they 
had made a grant of all their lands there to him- Among the pa- 
pers, the originals of which are in our possession, are, in McGregor's 
qv/n hand-writing, instructions [57 b.] for sailing into Tampa Bay, 
Vith the assertion, that he calculated to be there by the last of April, 
<jr first of May, of the present yea. ; a letter [c] dated 27th December 
Ipst, to one of his acquaintance in this country, disclosing the same 
intention; and the extract of a proclamation, [d] which was to have 
heen issued at Tampa Bay, to the inhabitants of Florida, by the per- 
son charged with making the settlement there, before his arrival, an- 
ijouncing his approach for the purpose of liberating them from the 
despotism of Spain, and of enabling them to form a government for 
themselves. He had persuaded those who would listen to him here, 



[65] 



23 



that his ultimate object was to sell the Flofidas to the United StatesV 
There is some reason to suppose, that he had made indirect over* 
tures of a similar nature to the British government. This was Arm- 
brister's business in Florida. He arrived there in March, the pre- 
cursor of M'Gregor and Woodbine; and immediately upon his ar- 
rival, he is found [*9] seizing upon Arbuthnott's goods, and distri- 
buting them among the negroes and Indians; seizing upori his vessel* 
and compelling its master to pilot him, with a body of armed negroes, 
towards the fort of St. Marks, with the declared purpose of taking it 
by surprise in the night; writing letters to governor Cameron of NeW 
Providence, urgently calling for supplies oi munitions of War and of 
cannon for the war against the Americans, and letters to colonel 
Nicholls, renewing the same demands of supplies, informing him 
that he is with 300 negroes, "a few of our Bluff people," who had 
stuck to the cause, and were relying upon the faith of Nicholls's pf 0- 
mises. "Our Blnff people" were the people of the negro fort, col- 
lected by Nichols and Woodbine's proclamations during the Ameri- 
can and English war; and " the caMe," to which they stuck, was the 
savage, servile, exterminating war against the United States* 

Among the agents and actors of such virtuous enterprises as af Q 
here unveiled, it was hardly to be expected, that there would be 
found remarkable evidences of their respect, confidence and good 
faith towards one another. Accordingly, besides the violent seizure 
and distribution by Armbrister of Arbuthrtott*s property, his letters to»' 
Cameron, and to Nicholls, are filled with the distrust and suspicions 
of the Indians, that they were deceived and betrayed by Arbuthnottj 
while in Arbuthnott's letters to the same Nicholls, [>9 F.] he accused 
Woodbine of having taken charge of poor Francis the prophet, of 
Hillis Hddjo. upon his return from England to New Providence, and, 
under pretence of taking care of him and his affairs, of having de- 
frauded him of a large portion of the presents which had been deliy* 
ered out from the king's stores to him for Francis's use, This id 
one of the passages of Arbuthnott's letter [47 a } to Nicholls, omitted 
in the publication of it last August, in the London newspapers. 

Is this narrative of dark and complicated depravity; this creep- 
ing and insidious war, both against Spain and the United States,; 
this mockery of patriotism; these political philters to fugitive slaves* 
and Indian outlaws; these perfidies and treacheries of villarns, inca-, 
pable of keeping their faith, even to each other; all in the name of 
South American liberty, of the rights of runaway negroes, and the 
wrongs of savage murderers; all combined, and projected to plunder 
Spain of her province, and to spread massacre and devastation 
along the borders of the United States; is all this sufficient to cool 
the sympathies of his catholic majesty's government, excited by the 
execution of these two "subjects of a power in amity with the king?" 
The Spanish government is not at this day to be informed, that, cruel 
as war in its mildest forms must be, it is, and necessarily must he 
doubly cruel when waged with savages; that savages make h6-prijK>n* 



24. L 65 J 

«rs, but to torture them; that they give no quarters; that they put to 
death, without discrimination of age or sex. That these ordinary 
characteristics of Indian warfare, have been applicable in their most 
heart-sickening horrors to that war, left us by Nicholls, as his legacy, 
re-instigated by Woodbine, Arbuthnott, and Armbrister, and stimulat- 
ed by the approbation, encouragement, and aid of the Spanish com- 
mandant at St. Marks, is proof required? Intreat the Spanish min- 
ister of State for a moment to overcome the feelings, which details 
like these must excite; and to reflect, if possible, with composure 
upon the facts stated in the following extracts, from the documents 
enclosed. 

Letter from sailing-master Jairus Loomis to commodore Daniel 
T« Patterson, 13th August, 1816, reporting the destruction of the ne- 
gro fort. [23] 

u On examining the prisoners they stated that Edward Daniels, 
O, S. who was made prisoner in the boat, on the 17th July, was tar- 
red and burnt alive." 

Letter from Archibald Clarke to gen. Gaines, 26th Feb. 1817. 
^Message P. U. S. to Congress, 25th March, 1818, p. 9.) 

. '* On the 2-kh inst. the house of Mr Garret, residing in the up- 
per part of this county, near the boundary of Wayne county. (Geor- 
gia,) was attacked, during his absence, near the middle of the dav, 
by this party (of Indians,) consisting of about fifteen, who shot Mrs. 
Garret, in two places, and then despatched her by stabbing and scalp- 
'»g. Her two children, one about three years, the other two months, 
Were also murdered, and the eldest scalped: the house was then plun- 
dered of every article of value, and se' on fire. 

Letter from Peter j5. Cook, (Arbuthnott's clerk,) to Eliz. A. 
Carney, at Nassau, dated Suwahnee, 19th January, 1818, giving an 
Recount of their operations with the Indians against the Americans. 
and their massacre of lieut. Scott and his party. [61.] 

" There was a boat that was taken by the Indians, that had in, 
thirty men, seven women, four small children. There were six 
of the men got clear, and one woman saved, and all the rest of them 
got killed. The children were took by the leg, and their brains dash- 
ed out against the boat." 

If the btre recital of scenes like these cannot be perused with- 
out shuddering, what must be the agonized feelings of those whose 
wives and children are from day to day, and from night to night, ex- 
posed to be the victims of die same barbarity? Has mercy a voice 
to plead for the perpetrators and instigators of deeds like these? — 
Should inquiry hereafter be made, why, within three months after 
this event, the savage Hamathli-Meico, upon being taken by the 
American troops, was by order of their commander immediately hung, 
Jet it be told, that that savage was the commander of the party, by which 
those women were butchered, and those helpless infants were thus 
dashed against the boat. Contending with such enemies, although hu- 
manity revolts at entire retaliation upon them, and spares the lives of 



fes] 



25 



their feeble and defenceless women and children, yet mercy, herself^ 
surrenders to retributive justice the lives of their leading warriors ta- 
ken in arms, and still more the lives of the foreign, white incendiaries, 
who, disowned by their own governments, and disowning their own 
natures, degrade themselves beneath the savage character, by vo- 
luntarily descending to its level. Is not this the dictate of common 
sense? Is it not the usage of legitimate warfare? Is it not conso- 
nant to the soundest authorities of national law? " When at war 
(says Vattel; with a ferocious nation, which observes no rules, and 
grants no quarter, they may be chastised in the persons of those of 
them who may be taken; they are of the number of the guilty, and by 
this rigor the attempt may be made of bringing them to a sense of the 
laws of humanity." And again: " As a general has the right of sa- 
crificing the lives of his enemies to his own safety or that of his peo- 
ple, if he has to contend with an inhuman enemy, often guilty of such 
excesses, he may take the lives of some of his prisoners, and treat 
them as his own people have been treated." The justification of 
these principles is found in their salutary efficacy, for terror, and for 
example. 

It is thus only that the barbarities of Indians can be successfully 
encountered. It is thus only that the worse than Indian barbarities 
of European impostors, pretending authority from their governments, 
but always disavowed, can be punished and arrested. Great Britain 
yet engages the alliance and co-operation of savages in war. But 
her government has invariably disclaimed all countenance or author- 
ization to her subjects to instigate against us in time of peace. Yet 
so it has happened, that, from the period of our established indepen- 
dence to this day, all the Indian wars with which we have been af- 
flicted, have been distinctly traceable to the instigation of English 
traders or agents. Always disavowed, yet always felt; more than 
once detected, but never before punished; two of them, offenders of 
the deepest dye, after solemn warning to their government, and indi- 
vidually to one of them, have h\\en,jlagrante delicto, into the hands of 
an American general; and the punishment inflicted upon them has 
fixed them on high, as an example, awful in its exhibition, but we 
trust auspicious in its results, of that which awaits unauthorized pre- 
tenders of European agency, to stimulate and interpose in wars be- 
tween the United States and the Indians within their control. 

This exposition of the origin, the causes, and the character, of 
the war with the Seminole Indians, and part of the Creeks,, combined 
with M'Gregor's mock Patriots and Nicholls's negroes which neces- 
sarily led our troops into Florida, and gave rise to all those incidents 
of which Mr. Pizarro so vehemently complains, will, it is hoped, 
enable you to present other and sounder views of the subject to his 
catholic majesty's government. 

It will enable you to show, that the occupation ©f Pensacola and 
St. Marks was occasioned neither by a spirit of hostility to Spain, 
nor with a view to extort prematurely the province from her posses- 
sion; that it was rendered necessary by the neglect of Spain to per- 
4> 



26 [65] 

S3^€^°^° f JS^? !K**ff *P hostilities 
agement, and assisu S given I fcjSffi COURte k Qanc ?' ™cour- 
by the Spanish governor L *?■«««»■». m their hostilities, 

United States L^^Z??? »""!? plaCCS; that th * 
of Spain, the punishment of ^ 'a?* the f Presid ^tdoes demand, 
he furthe'r ZS^^^^^t^- *' *K m j sc °°<^ and 
United States for the heavy and^./ reasonabl e indemnity to the 
been compelled to^L^^J^V^^ whkh the y ha ve 
gagementi to restra „7h e Indians l" *?2 t0 P erf »™ her en- 

complicity of her £m^£™&£*£2** * this demonstrated 
against the United State J-Tha? the Z F ^ '" thc,F hostili "es 
order of general Tarlr,™ 7 • En S hshn »en, executed by 

with who, ^th y J ^car; v TnTon th OBly ""?* ^ the Sav ^ 
but that one of theS w* the mnv ?? aganWt the United Sta ^s 
without his interf^enceand fZ " fomen terof the war ' whi ^ 
from the British gove™ment nP vr m,8 M t° the L Indians °f suppor 
other was the ins?rum«Tof w^r ^ " * haVe ha PP e ^ d ; that the 
States, commissioned by M'Gr'f Z ^3 *? ^ U as the Uni ted 
on their project ofcX^^L^^^^^ 
groes; that, as accomplices of fhe savages and ' Indl3n . S and ne ' 

better knowledge, wcL ^Sj^S^jSIS! nT" *ft 
their persons and of the proofs of th.;. 5 if • ? ? ' P osse ssed of 

ordinary usages of war have hu t S u T^l by the ,awful and 
of a trial- tht* V li ? hun 8 them both without the formalitv 

the P r"ott a y°s^ °PP°-nity ofrefutin' 

crjmes, he gave A^h?SLl^3 , ?f Ce W extenu *tion, of thei? 

respectable officers- That the defrn V Y * ^ ^^ ° f h ^Y 

cicely of technical^ JJ? ^ £M£5 ^ »? ~ 

signal proof of hi ^onfidtce tSTt^T^ gJVeS the most 
strain by force the Indian rfKori^f ter/ier engagement tore- 
United States, will be effectu^f f.TfiH a™^ h u 0st,,ities against the 
murders, no more robberL w fhf ^ at * Cre wil1 be no ™re 

along the Spanish ne ' 7^ L°% 1°^-*^ S ^ S ^ P rowlin S 

'"/village's the sca^ it, to display if 

and to sell, with shameless effrZt \l , ch ldren » their victims, 

in Spanish forts and c tT es !^h at v7' h n^" fr ° m ° Ur dtizens 
from Spanish governors a nd7n/ aU ^ no more apologies 
the duties of Te r offi e andX man f antS ° fthelr ***** t0 P erf orm 
no more excuses FortmpUants o^T C ° mraCtS ° f . their COUntrv ' 
ed States from the dread of SSt ?, f SaV3ge enem,es of the U «& 
harboring of fo«i K n"mno.to« * U? °? themseIve *' no more 

sufficient 8 will b Si 11 - UP ° n compulsion-that a strength 



•: 



[653 



27 



perty of our fellow-citizens on the borders of the United States is 
imperative: it must be discharged: and if after all the warnings that 
Spain has had — if after the prostration of all her territorial rights and 
neutral obligations, by Nicholls and his banditti, during war, and of 
all het treaty-tipulations, by Arbuthnott and Armbrister, abetted 
by her own commanding officers, during peace, to the cruel annoy- 
ance of the United States — if the necessities of self defence should 
again compel the United States to take possession of the Spanish forts 
and places in Florida, declare, with the frankness and candor that be- 
come us, that another unconditional restoration of them must not b$ 
expected; that even the President's confidence in the good faith and 
ultimate justice of the Spanish government, will yield to the painful 
experience of continual disappointment; and that, after unwearied 
and almost unnumbered appeals to them for the performance of their 
stipulated duties, in vain, the United States will be reluctantly com- 
pelled to rely for the protection of their borders upon themselves 
alone. 

You are authorized to communicate the whole of this letter, and 
the accompanying documents, to the Spanish government. 

I have the honor, &c. &c. 
(Signed) JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. 



Extract of a letter, JVo. 9, from Mr. Adams to Mr. Erving, dated 

Department of State ', 
Washington, December 2, 1818. 

" On the 27th of March last, the Spanish minister here, Mr. Onis v 
addressed a letter to this department, for the professed purpose of 
vindicating the character and conduct of the Spanish commanding 
officers in Florida, and of proving that they had invariably discharged 
their duties of friendly proceeding towards the United States, and the 
obligations of the treaty of 1795, by which Spain was bound to re- 
strain, by force, the hostilities of her Indians in Florida, against the 
United States. To th'13 letter are annexed fourteen documents; the 
greater part of which consist of remonstrances, addressed during the 
late war between the United States and Great Britain, to British offi- 
cers, against their continual violations of the neutrality #f the Spanish 



28 [65] 

territory. It is not however to those documents, but to the two num- 
bered 13 and 14, as annexed to that letter, [66, 67,] that I wish to 
invite your attention. No, 13 is the translation of a letter, purport- 
ing to be from Bowlegs, one of the Seminole Indian chiefs, most in- 
veterately hostile to the United States, to Don Jose Coppinger, gover- 
nor of St. Augustine; a translation you will say — why a translation? 
and from what language? Neither governor Coppinger, nor Mr. Onis 
have furnished the means of answering that question. They are fur- 
nished however by the papers of Arbuthnott, which fell into general 
Jackson's hands. The language was English, and the original was 
written by Arbuthnott. The draught was found among his papers, 
apd was produced to the court martial upon his trial, [49, No. 2, p. 34.] 
"We naturally suppose that governor Coppinger, upon receiving a let- 
ter in English, from a Seminole Indian chief, must have been surpris- 
ed, unless he knew from whom and whence it came. The substance 
of his answer shows that he did know, both whence it came, and the 
character of him by whom it was written. By the copies of the two 
letters, which are enclosed, you will see, in that of Bowlegs, a part of 
the systematic intrigues of Arbuthnott, to instigate, as well the Spanish 
commanders in Florida, as the savages, against the United States; 
and in that of governor Coppinger, a direct declaration to the Indians, 
that all his supposed causes of alarm and complaint, proceed " from 
the information of persons in whom he ought not to place the small- 
est confidence, it being their principle to employ such opportunities 
for the purpose of seducing him and his people from their daily labor." 
After offering his own friendly advice, the governor adds, u I am 
fearful, however, that the sentiments of those, who come into the ter- 
ritory, under the appearance of friendship, but with bad intentions, 
may influence your minds, and obtain your confidence, by their flat- 
tering representations." And finally, he complains that two persons 
had lately presented themselves as commissioners of the English na- 
tion, and carried off several runaway negroes, belonging to inhabitants 
of the province. It is apparent from this letter, that governor Cop- 
pinger was well informed of the operations of Arbuthnott and Wood- 
bine, and that he saw them in their true colours. How then does it 
happen, that a year afterwards the Spanish commandant at St. Marks, 
is found so entirely leagued with Arbuthnott, as to sign his name to 
the approbation of a power of attorney, given to him by the hostile 
chiefs, to write letters and deliver talks, in their names; to hold coun- 
cils of war with them at his quarters; to hold as prisoners, white per- 
sons, inhabitants of the province, taken by them, and to write a letter 
to Arbuthnott, asking him to come and confer with him upon subjects, 
which could not be committed to paper. The original of that letter, 
which is in bad French, and in the hand writing of the commandant 
of St. Marks, signed by him, is in our possession,[48.] A copy of it is 
among the papers enclosed. We cannot doubt that the Spanish go- 
vernment will consider it as a proof of the conspiracy of the com- 
mandant of St. Marks, with Arbuthnott and the Indians, against the 



,[«5] 



29 



United States. Should he be put upon his trial, as you are instructed 
to demand, the original letter itself will be transmitted, to be exhibited 

to the court. ail » 

It is to be observed, that the original draught in Arbuthnott e 
hand writing, of the letter from Bowlegs to governor Coppinger, dif- 
fers in several paragraphs from the translation communicated by Mr. 
Onis, as received by him from governor Coppinger The following 
passage particularly, which appears in the draught, produced before 
the court martial, is not in the translation furnished by governor Cop- 
pinger. " The Spanish subjects in the Flondas are too much in the 
interests of the Americans to be our friends. For the governors, I 
shall always entertain the greatest regard; but for the people, they 
do not act so as to merit ray esteem and protection." The remainder 
of the letter is nearly the same. We do not suppose that the omis- 
sion was made by the governor, but rather that Arbuthnott, yet un- 
certain how such a reflection would be received, omitted it from the 
letter itself, which was transmitted to the governor. 

The papers marked 62, 63, 6i, and 68, are copies of originals, 
in the hand writing of Arbuthnott, taken with the rest of his papers; 
but not exhibited before the court martial. The sheet of his journal 
is of some importance, as establishing his connexion and dissatis. 
faction with Woodbine. 65 is a letter from him, said to be to 
an officer of rank, in England, (no doubt Nicholls,) dated 30th 
January, 1818, only three months before he was taken. The sheet 
oftbeiournalyshowsthat Arbuthnott arrived, with Woodbine, from 
New Providence, at Suwany, about the last of October, 1816 and 
that they immediately commenced their operations with the Indians, 
against the United States. Bowlegs's letter to governor Coppinger, 
is dated the 18th of November, of that year, and apologizes lor his 
not having sooner answered a letter of September, from the governor, 
by the impossibility he had been under of finding a person to write 
the answer from him. Among other complaints against Woodbine, 
in this journal, there is one, distinctly, that he had promised the sav- 
ages assistance from the British government, without authority, and 
by direct falsehood, and he expresses an apprehension, that when the 
Indians find out that none of those promises are realized, their tury 
will fall upon himself."" 



No. 1. 

Nicholas letter and proclamation. 

Head Quarters, Fensacola, August 31-stf, 1814- 

SIR, 

I have arrived in the Floridas for the purpose of annoying the 
only enemy Great Britain has in the world. As France and Eng- 



30 [ssj 



rank of «**». L iN DS wi ! t given "oT faa° U Sha " "*?« the 
your respective ranks, on a peace TakLVrll a "' ,n .P ro P°"ion to 
on the following terras: your^^fe a ° d ' '"""j >">" »« 
and your person protected I„ V.,f. X r l- , 8 uara nteed to you, 
all hostilities agaLs SnJn or ,h l'" "$'£• « ask 7«» to cease 

ants *uS3£%S£riS ZVi 7 P ? Claraati ° n » * he "*«W* 
intention, of my government- von IT' ° U ' 'V™ ,he h °""rable 
in forwarding tLi, therefore Tfv ™*S a useful a »i"ant to me, 
bearer of this, e.pib^i^r.lu^?'?' ' 0Se n ° time; the 
points you may be anxious to lea™ w ""„ sa " sfy . y°" on any other 
Sophia, who carries hm to vo™' w^t ^l**" Lock y er ' ° f the 
ment on the way here aTrt I h„° , C have * P™«ful reinforce. 
Americans, than onpressln. th^' ?£* ° U ' *, ome olh " »"»>< for the 
«* on your «^r^tT ^ ^ 
Your humble servant, 

(Signed) EDWARD NICHOLLS, 
Lt. col. com. H. B. M. forces in the Florida*. 

To Mom. Laffite, or the commandant at Baratana. 



By Lieutenant Colonel EdvardMcholls, commanding E. Enforces 

in the Florida*. 



soil Spaniards, Frenchmen, Italians, and British, whether settled 

i ? us c «se S Th,T ^ L ° U,slana ' °» y° u J **° call to aid me in the 
i,hprf ^ ,i .hi A f "; enCan u »™T«ion in this country must be abol- 
ished, and the lawful owners of the soil put in possession. I am at 
the head of a large body of Indians, well armed, disciplined and 
commanded by British officers. A good train of artillery , with everJ re- 
quisite, seconded by the powerful aid of a numerous British and Spanish 
squadron of ships and vessels of war. Be not alarmed, inhabits 
of the country at our approach; the same good faith and disinterest! 
edness which has distinguished the conduct of Britons in Europe 
accompanies them here. You will have no fear of litigious taxes im 
peaed on you, for the purpose of carrying on an unnatural and unk£ 

ro^ y0Ur ?. r °u Peny ' y° urlaws ' the P«"e and tranquillity of your 
Sem'enT f ^ guaranteed to you by men who will suffer n o y in- 

w th Z I a a^ "?' 3SS f ed ' that these brave men ^ly bum 
fcred from rh a" 1 ™ ° f Satlsfaction fo! " the wrongs they have suf- 
fronlr.7 t menC r' tOJ ° in y ° uin derating these southern 
nrescr heH h m C,r y ° ke ' and <J"ve them into the limits formerly 
prescribed by my sovereign. The Indians have pledged themselves 
in the most solemn manner, not to injure in the slightest degree the 

J«Mers. A Jl ag over any door, whether Spanish, French, or British 
^reshhold thereof, under penalty of death from hii own countrymen! 

ILITa ^ f Cne - my WlU T, Indi3n P Ut t0 death > exce Pt resisting in 
arms and as for injuring helpless women and children, the red men, 
by their good conduct and treatment to them, will, if it be possible 
make the Americans blush for their more than inhuman conduct Lei 
ly, on the Escambia, and within a neutral territory. 

Inhabitants of Kentucky, you have too long borne with crievous 
impositions. The whole brunt of the war has Lien on you^r brave 

.Undard Tf P °n T ¥ T™'' but u either ra "S e yourselves under the 
standard of your forefathers, or observe a strict neutrality. If vou 
comply with either of these offers, whatever provisions 7 you send 

tX' : U Pa,d K f °r iD d ° 1,arS ' and the Safet y * the PersoL bring, 
ing it, as well as the free navigation of the Mississippi guaranteed to 
you. Men of Kentucky , let me call to your view, and Urust, o vour 
abho rre n ce , the conduct of those factions, Which hurried ou S 
this cruel, unjust and unnatural war, at a time when Great Brian 

o ""he woT/ eV h ry m 6 " thC d /[ CnCe ° f h6r °™> and the "" 
hi in r ' h ^ thC b T eSt ° f her SOns were fi 8 htin S and bleed- 
ufe in enl C ? ""^ u'T ^ was f s P^ding millions^of her trea. 
sure ,n endeavoring to pull down one of the most formidable and dan- 
gerous tyrants that ever disgraced the form of man; when groaning 

daun° P d front ITl "$? £* ^ ^ BHtain alone showed a « « * 
aaunted front, basely did these assassins endeavor to stab her from the 

tru^ 
struggle. Europe Is happy and free, and she now hastens justly to 



32 [65] 

avenge unprovoked insults. Show them that you are not collective- 
ly unjust, leave that contemptible few to shift for themselves; let 
those slaves of the tyrant send an embassy to Elba, and implore his 
aid; but let every honest, upright American spurn them with merited 
contempt. After the experience of twenty one years, can you any 
longer support those brawlers for liberty, who eall it freedom, and 
know not when themselvas are free; be no longer their dupes, ac- 
cept of my offer, every thing I have promised in this paper, t guaran- 
tee to you on the sacred honor of a British ofFcer. 

Given under my hand, at my head quarters, Pensacola, the 29th 
of August, 1814. 

(Signed) EDWARD NICHOLLS, 



(No. 2. a.) 

Copy of a letter from Col. Nicholls to Col. Hawkins. 

Appalachichola, 28th April, 1815, 

Being absent from this post when your letter of the 19th ult, 
arrived, I take this opportunity to answer it. On the subject of the 
negroes lately owned by the citizens of the United States, or Indians 
in hostility to the British forces, I have to acquaint you, that, accord- 
ing to orders, I have sent them to the British colonies, where they 
are received as free settlers, and lands given to them. The newspa- 
per you sent me, is I rather think, incorrect; at all events, an Amer- 
ican newspaper cannot be authority for a British officer. I herewith 
enclose you a copy of a part of the 9th article of the treaty of peace 
relative to the Indians in alliance with us; they have signed and ac- 
cepted it as an independent people, solemnly protesting to suspend all 
hostilities against the people of the United States. Within these few 
days I have had a complaint from the Seminole's chief Bowlegs. He 
states, that a party of American horse, have made an incursion into 
the town, killed one man, wounded another, and stole some of his cat- 
tle; also that they have plundered some of his people on their peaceable 
way from St. Augustine. May I request of you to inquire into this 
affair, and cause justice to be done to the murderer, and have the 
cattle restored I strictly promise you that for any mischief done by 
the Creeks under me, I shall do all in my power to punish the de- 
linquents and have the property restored. 



j 



[65] 



33 



The chiefs here have requested me further to declare to you 
(that in order to prevent any disagreeable circumstances from hap- 
pening in future) they have come to a determination not to permit 
the least intercourse between their people and those of the United 
States. They have, in consequence, ordered them to cease all com- 
munication directly or indirecdy with the territory or citizens of the 
United States; and they do take this public mode of warning the cit- 
izens of the United States from entering their territory, or communi- 
cating directly or indirectly with the Creek people. They also re- 
quest that you will understand their territories to be as they stood in 
the year 1811. In my absence I have directed first lieutenant Wm. 
Hamley, the head interpreter, to communicate with you on any point 
relative to the Creeksj and I have given him my most positive or- 
ders, that he shall at all times do his best to keep peace and good 
neighborhood between the Creeks and your citizens. 

1 am, sir, your very humble servant, 

(Signed) EDWARD NICHOLLS, 

Commanding the British forces in the Florida*. 



No. 2. b. 



Paper enclosed in the above letter. 



Part of the 9th article of the treaty of peace between his Britan- 
nic majesty and the United States, relative to the Indians who have 
been in alliance with Great Britain and in hostilities wuh the United 
States. 

The United States of America engage to put an end immediate- 
ly after the ratification of the present treaty, to hostilities with all the; 
tribes or nations of Indians with whom they may be at war at thp 
time of such ratification, and forthwith to restore to such tribes dr 
cations respectively all the possessions, rights and privileges which 
they may have enjoyed, or been entitled to in 1811, previous to such 
hostilities, provided always that such tribes or nations shall agree 'to 
jdesist from all hostilities against the United States of America, their 
citizens and subjects upon the ratification of the present treaty being 
notified to such tribes or nations, and shall so desist accordingly. 



We the undersigned, chiefs of the Muscogee nation, declared by 
his Britannic majesty to be a free and independent people, do, in the 
name of the said nation, agree tr> the Bth article of the treaty of peaea 



S4 [65] 

between his Britannic majesty and the United States. And we do 
further declare that we have given moat strict and positive orders to 
all our people that they desist from hostilities of every kind, against 
the citizens or subjects of the United States. 

Given under our hands at the British fort on the Appalachicola, 
the 2d day of April, 181 5. 

his 
HEPOAETD MEICO, x 

mark 

his 
CAPPACHIMICO, x 

mark 

his 
HOPOY MEICO, T. P. 

mark 
Witnesses, 

Edward Nicholls, Lieut. Col. commanding the Indians. 

R. Bankes, com. H. M. brig Forward, 

G Woodbine capt. \st Br R. C M. 

Wm. Hambly,jirst lieut. B. C. M. and head interpreter. 

I certify on honor that this is a true copy of the original. 

ELI LESTER, V. 8. 8. keeper, Fort Lawrence 



No. 3. 

Col. Nicholls to Col. Hawkins. 

British post, Jippalachichola river, May 1 2th, 1813. . 

In my letter to you of the 28th ult. I requested you would be so 
good as to make inquiry into the murder and robberies committed 
on the Seminoles belonging to the chief called Bowlegs, at the same 
time declaring my determination of punishing with the utmost rigor of 
the law any one of our side who broke it. Of this a melancholy proof 
has been given in the execution of an Indian of the Ataphalgo town by 
Hothly Poya Tustunnugee chief of Ocmulgees, who found him driv- 
ing off a gang of cattle belonging to your citizens, and for which act 
of justice, I have given him double presents, and a chief's gun, in the 
open square before the whole of the chiefoj and highly extolled him. 



[65] 



3? 



These, sir, are the steps I am daily taking to keep the peace with sin- 
cerity; but I am sorry to say the same line is not taken on your side, 
nor have you written to say what steps you are taking, or intend, to 
take to secure this mutual good. Since the last complaint from Bow- 
legs, ] have had another from him to say your citizens have again at- 
tacked and murdered two of his people, that they had stolen a gang 
of his cattle, but that he had succeeded in regaining them. 

I asked him what proof thev had of their being killed. They 
said they had found their bloody clothes in the American camp, which 
was hastily evacuated on their approach. Now, sir, if these enormi- 
ties are suffered to be carried on in a christian country, what are you 
to expect by showing such an example to the uncultivated native of 
the woods, (for savage I will not call them, their conduct entitles 
them to a better epithet.) I have, however, ordered them to stand 
on the dtfnsive, and have sent them a large supply of arms and ammu- 
nition, and told them to put to death, without mercy, any one molesting 
them; but at all times to be Careful, and not put a foot over the Arrne- 
rican line. In the mean time, that I should complain to you, that J 
was convinced you would do your best to curb such infamous con- 
duct. Also, that those people who did such dec ds, would, I was 
convinced, be disowned by the government of the United States, and 
severely punished. They have given their consent to await your an- 
swer, before they take revenge; but sir, they are impatient for it, and 
well armed as the whole nation now is, and stored wi'h ammunition 
and provisions, huving a strong hold to relit e upon in case of a supet tor 
force appearing, picture to yourself sir, the miseries that may be svf- 
fred by good and innocent citizens on your frontiers, and I am .sure 
you will tend me your best aid in keeping the bad spirits in subjection. 
Yesterday, in a full assembly of the chiefs, I got them to pass a law, 
for four resolute chiefs to be appointed in different parts of the na 
tion, something in the character of our sheriffs, for the purpose of ki- 
flicting condign punishment on such people as broke the lawj and I 
will say this much for them, that I never saw men execute laws b£t 
ter than they do. lam also desired to say to you by the chiefs, that 
thty do not find that your citizens are evacuating their lands, according 
to the 9ih article oj the treaty of peace, but that (hey were fresh provi- 
sioning the forts. This point, sir, I beg of you to look into. They 
also request me to inform you, that they have bigned a treaty of of- 
fensive and defensive alliance with Great Britain, as well as one of 
commerce and navigation, which, as soon as it is ratified at home;, 
you shall be made more fully acquainted with. 

I am, sir, your very humble servant, 
(Signed) EDWARD NICIIOLLS, 

Commanding his B. M. forces in the. Creek nation , 

Addressed — on his Britannic majesty^s service, 

to Col. Bevjamin Hawkins, commanding at For! llnwkins. 



No. 4. 
Colonel Hawkins to Colonel NichoUs. 

Creek Agency, 24th May, I8t4. 
On the 18th I had the pleasure to receive your communication 
of the 28th ultimo. I expected, from the tenor of your orders which 
I conveyed to you from admirals Cochrane andCockburn, on the 19th 
of March, that you had left the Floridas ere this, with the British 
troops under your command; and that Spain and the United States 
would have no more of British inteference in the management of 
their Indian affairs. The newspaper I sent you. was one in which 
the official acts of our government are published. There could be 
n© motive for falsification; your deeming it incorrect, must have pro- 
ceeded from a knowledge thai your conduct in relation to the negroes 
was at variance with it. It would have been acceptable in the com- 
munication relative to the disposition of "the negroes taken from the 
citizens of the United States, or Indians in hostility to the British," 
to have received the number, particularly belonging to the latter. A-. 
peace is restored between Great Britain and the United States, I feei 
a reluctance to put on paper, any thing that may have the tendency to 
tarnish the British character, or that of any officer of its government; 
but I owe it to the occasion, to state the declaration of captain Henry' 
that " the English are ^ent out by their great father and king, to restore 
his Indian people to thtir lands; and we are desired by him not to take 
awey then negroes, unless they freely give them to us, or sell them for 
money, is violated. It is proper, also, to add, I did not enrol any 
Indians into the service of the United States, until after the negroes 
of Marshall, Stedham, and Kinnard, three half breeds, were taken 
from them by force or stratagem, by British officers- Your restric- 
tion of the captain's declaration to negroes belonging to Indians 
friendly to Great Britain, if, by that, is meant Indians hostile to the 
Un.ted States, is an erroneous one, as there is not one Creek who 
h?is negroes so situated. 

The Creek chiefs, to use a courtly phrase, have just cause at 
least, to say this is an "unjustifiable aggression.'* You having acted, 
by orders, and it being now beyond your control, a remedy must and 
will be sought for elsewhere. 

The documents you enclose, signed by three chiefs, purporting 
to be the agreement of the Muscogee nation, to the 9th article of the 
treaty of peace, I shall lay before the chiefs of the nation, at a con- 
vention, soon to be held at Cowetau, and send vou the result of their 
deliberations on it. The result of my reflections, with due defer- 
ence I give you. as on the envelope it purports to be on his Brifan. 
nic majesty's service. It is within my knowledge, one of the chiefs 
is a Seminole of East Florida, and has never resided in the United 
States; and that neither of the three has ever attended the nationat 



[65] 



ST 



councils of the Creek3, or are in any way a part of their executive 
government. If the lour witnesses had signed it as principals, and 
the three chiefs as witnesses, it would have been entitled to equal re- 
spect from me.* Could you be serious in communicating such a 
nullity with their mock determination not to permit the least inter- 
course between their people, (meaning the Creek nation) and those 
of the United States, &c. As to the territory of the Seminoles, it 
being out of the United States, is an affair between them, and the 
government of Spain, and that of the Creek, is as fixed and guaran- 
teed in their treaty stipulations with the United States. I do not 
know that any occurrences can happen, which will render it necessa- 
ry for me to communicate with lieutenant William Hambly. If by 
doing so, I can render acts of kindness to Indians or others, it would 
afford me pleasure; but, under present impressions, the 6th article of 
the treaty of friendship, limits, and navigation between the United 
States, and the king of Spain, will govern me in all cases, respecting 
the Indians in the two Floridas. 

I am with due regard, Sir, 

Your obedient servant, 

(Signed) BENJAMIN HAWKINS 



No. 5. 



Colonel Hawkins to Colonel Nicholls, 

Creek Agency, 28fA May, 181C 

On the 24th, I wrote to you in reply to yours of the 28th ultimo, 
and since, have had the pleasure to receive yours of the 12th I had 
received from Bowlegs, direct, a complaint of an outrage committed 
4i by the people of Georgia, who had gone into East Florida, driven 
off his cattle, and destroyed his property." I have sent this com- 
plaint to the governor of Georgia, who will readily co operate with 
the officers of the general government, to cause justice to be done to 
the injured, if the complaint is true. The laws of the United States, 

* Note. The witnesses, we believe, were colonel NiehoHs, captain Woodbine, 
lieutenant Hambly, and captain Henry. 



38 [6 s] 

Ksss^isris of ,^ e ind - ?** - *~ ! 

have engendered such a deaHlJ f JT J . Spa,n on St " John s. 

be longlcfore the descendant of"! ""V^ V*"* that h wil > 
Spain, from her internal ell v?*™* T for S« ""<* forgive. I 

settle a peace b«we^ I 

taken for^orgianT Th ^I^\ an f o 7^1^^' ^ " Pmbab,e ' are : 
in the Floridas have lonekn own rh U ^ C} '' ** wdl as those 

chiefs, to me, for Tredres! of theV^^ tQ ^ throu & h their I 
^'«^k.i;not«^^^f^* fc 7, he government of 
«M ten years standing I V L ?he ^ t 7^"'? is ° f more 
»^a*^ »** 1 

had KiKSS^*^ -™ "? f ^ m E ^< who 
furnished by the ndSrd onX T ^ '" the F ° X S, °°P of **. 
mitalty, "to facil ate to h"m a nT"" —J?' b} ' ° rder " f the ad " 
This gentleman, after attemnTin " P ^ t0 h,S nation lhe Greeks." 
to usurp the ? o 1 ^ E ? £ ™°«^«V- with the Seminoles, 

•df director ffhSTi^^Sl ^J^ SUCC . CM ' "^ h ^' 
dered sohxe oV his ^^Z^^tuSkTn ^.T ?* 
jgh my assets m the plan of of v ill J££S ^ £ 

Had^'^Xet nation,, councils, who 

rhat he had a title am ZZ J „""' £ d Wh ° repI,cd to hi ™' 
■*. lox au. (the l^^)^^.-^.^ * tun, 
ral of Muscogee, after playmgl farce fo two vef d,re «<>r g^e- 
Wffc scene which deprived him of his libel > if' eX P erien " d a 
-.order of the council whose government he Jl I? r '" ,r °" S 
*t>d sent to the governor central n T„ aUem P ted tousuip, 

crimes, His Seminole, Si P" ^ l ° answer for his 

After this, it was unani no ^^^ £"*"« wi * ^puni*. 
distinguished chiefs from ever!, ° eterrni « ed ' '° a national council of 
' Chicklsaws, and Cherokee^ X T' ? * de P Utation of Choctaws, 
held in readiness * execu 'the o IdlTfT Sh ° U,d be dassed ' a * d 
chat the aeent for Indian IV u ^ the execi ">ve council, and 
^e treat/ ^1^^^ ^ ** P°™ of executing 
rookaubatche'and Cowet ^,^ ^^ 2*" ^ "^^ 
was appointed the permanent seat of ♦& °. CCaS1 ° n re< * uired > 

national affairs alone could be tran a ted Th f ^""^ Where 
ers When lhe council meets at P ^ h * Ve "° W tWO s P ea ^ 

weaker for the Wr'c£^ - 

they meet at 'J ookaubatchf * P H ^ nat '° n; ancl ^« 

Creeks, is ^J^T^tl^T^^ ^T^ °' ^ ^ 

present. The .gent for I dt n "k" ^ ,S ^ qUarte,S *° r he 

«eni xor Indian affairs can convene the coun.il. 



[6 5] 



3§> 



To this council, T communicated, in your own words, the pre > 
tensions of your three chiefs. They answer, ".We have had colonel 
N?cholls' communication before us-that Hap nth M-cco, Caupachau 
Micco, and Hapoie Micco, are the sovereigns of this nation We 
know nothing about them as such. We have otten invited them to 
attend our talks- Thev never would come forward, and Haponh 
Micco is a hostile Indian. They have nothing to do with our affairs. 
They reside in the Spanish territory ' ■ 

After menuoning a solitary effort of yours "to keep the peace. 
you say, " I am verv sorry to say the sa™ line is not taken on your 
side nor have you written to me to say what steps you are taking, or 
Send to take", to secure this mutual good: ' You could not nave 
expected I should communicate with you, when, from your orders 
you were so soon to leave the country. I have communicated to 
the national council, several outrages committed by bandittis from 
the Seminoles, and other parts, u P >o the post road and frontiers ot 
Georgia, repeatedly. They have in two instances had the guilty 
shot, and sent armed parties after others. As late as tne 17th April, 
one man was killed, and four wounded, on the post road. Our wag- 
ons twice attacked, and one wagoner killed, several horses taken and 
carried, as reported, to your depot, at the very tune the wagon* 
were carrying seed corn for the Indians, and Euur for the support of 
nearly 5000, totally destitute of food. i . 

The measure in operation here, to preserve peace, is with an 
efficient force, red and white troops, to pursue, apprehend, and pun- 
kh ail violators of the public peace. The executive council ot the 
Creeks are continually at Cowetau, with an assistant agent to ukc 
orders with the warriors when the necessity is apparent and to call 
on me, when the aid of regular troops is necessary. We do noc 
rely on the exertions of any one, but ourselves to preserve peace 
among the Creeks, and between them and their neighbors ot the 
United States, and the Floridas. We examine fairly, spare the in 
nocent and punish the guilty; and in no case suffer revenge to carve 

"So an exparte hearing, you have » armed the Seminoles, and 

eiven orders to put to death, without mercy, any one molesting 

them " This is cruelty without example, scalping men, women, and 

children, for troubling or vexing only, and the executioners the 

iudges. To gratify their revenge, the good and innocent citizens 

J on The frontiers, are to be the victims of such barbarity Suppose a 

banditti were to commit a violent outrage, such as hat ot the 17th 

April, are we to charge it on the unoffending people ot the frontier*, 

and kill them without mercy, if we could not find out the guil y? 

You have issued the order, provided and issued munitions ot war tor 

its execution, prepared and provisioned a strong hold to retire upon, 

in case of su^rior force appearing, to protect them in this mode o 

gratifying their revenge. You will be held responsible, and your 

strong holds will certainly not avail. If you are really on the sez 



C«3 



&! h ]^S£ySS£ i i7 a « °' h0 « i] «y »"ich win re. 
Med you are ac,i„g £ v l LTf 1 CrUShed - But " Sir > » a "> ■"• 
your own. The sovf rei™ of G r tt B \ """ ^"'"""c Project of 
of justice in time of 'f" e 0, ° rea «»"«!■>. could not, from This I ove 

of legitimate aovereigL "C^X C perse Y" anCe in SU PP°« 

ssa sk any of hi; °*«" ^ri'^s 

'hority created by voureelffor .1, ** nat,oni with *« au. 

would surprise me S, "" PUrp0Se ' must be a novelty. I t 

have described, St '° S f, e K >'° ur ^reign ratil > ««* » you 
i» «he territories o"hU c^hlf." Of Tt ,, l l "°" them ,0 °e? 
has passed on the subject bCeen n. ' u *f communicate what 
neighborhood, that they mayle ann i' Z eH V f""* ° f Spain ia «V 

As you may not ha ^recent llTrit [Z hat yo V re doin 8- 
-ws P ape re detaiIiog in, r o,CS fc^i^"?! 

lam, &c. 

BENJAMIN HAWKINS, 

To Colonel Nicholh, Agent f or Indian Affairs. 

Commandmg JELB.JV. forces, Appalachian. 



No. 6. <j. 
General Gaines to the Secretary of War. 

em ^"^ «w««w f Fort Stoddert, M. T. 

SIR, 

May 14, 1815. 

•■vedfrom ApalachacoU, -T^^^SES 



upon our frontier inhabitants S ' " renewal of the w » 

ascent wultfTo'sV^^rS re'al IP"** "deavor ,„ 
should they be for war ZZ'J^l feo ^, »£<«* - 

•he pTs^b^n, and h :a^e n b d r„ 3 u d ,b r :^„ ntS f ^ « - « 
and added to the remaiTo th e Zfk Z Mk nTV? * ^ d ^ Si 

consist of Choctaw, £ ™an"«l^ia W fe| , ^ , ^ U ^' tt 
make a decisive stroke upon ,h 'rfet" 1 A™? k"" ,' y "^« '° 
persuade myself the covernmen M T "'^P^hacola, which I 
until these Lpb. (VTey SvS. IT ^ to sanction; for 
cannot but con'tinuito bTLSScSe r ° yed ' ° Ur fr ° mi " 

I am unable to shv. how tar the statement „rl. • • ... 

credit; but I have examined him a.teltivelv fj !? em " led »' 

■mpression that he has stated the truth a „'d thai I^'v' Str0 "S 
tioned in his deposition are -„n f n,;, i V . su PP>'es men- 
fall, but have reallv b Sel^r d ^ ' ,h'' 'i?"? de '] Vered last 
had been officially annoufc do , h finish "*' »° ( 'fV™* 

, aT" ,e !f s n he h d Pa " ° ,the ^W «*fflSta£ 

training them ourselves? ' " en » tor re * 

I have the honor to be, 

With the greatest respect and esteeta, 
Sir, your obedient servant, 

EDMUND P. GAINES. 
'he honorable J$. /. Dallas, Maj ° r Scneral % br ™<*> 

acting as Secretary at 0kr y Washington City. 

^-hTiT^ 'if" ** above 

9 *»»Jr. w. 



42 [65] | 

No. 6. &. 

Deposition of Samuel Jervais, enclosed in the above letter. 

Samuel Jervais, being dulv sworn, states, that he has been a ser~ , ( 
geant of marines in the British service for thirteen years past That ( 
about a month ago he left Apalachachola, where he had been station- , 
ed for several months. That the English colonel, Nicholls, had pro- , 
mised the hostile Indians at that place, a supply of arms, and ammu- 
nition a large quantity of which had been delivered to them a few j 
days before his departure, and after the news of a peace between , 
England and the United States being confirmed, had reached Apala-. 
chacola. That among the articles delivered were, of cannon four 12 
pounders; one howitzer, and two cohorns; about three thousand stand, 
of small arms, and near three thousand barrels of powder and ball. 
That the British left with the Indians between three and four hun- ( 
dred negroes, taken from the United States principally from Louis-,, 
iana. That the arms and ammunition were for the use of the In- J 
dians, and negroes, for the purposes as it was understood, of war with] 
the United States. That the Indians were assured by the British 
commander, that according to the treaty of Ghent all the lands, ced- 
ed bv the Creeks, in treaty with general Jackson were to be restored; 
otherwise the Indians must fight for those lands, and that the Bntish 
would in a short time assist them. 

his 
[Signed] SAML.* JERVAIS. 

mark 

Sworn and subscribed to before me, this 9th May, 1815, at thi 
town of Mobile. 

[Signed] L. JUDSON, J. P. 



No. 1. 
General Gaines to A. J. Dallas, acting Secretary at War. 

Head Quarters, Fort Stoddert, M. T, 
May, 22d, 1815. 

I returned last night from fort Montgomery, where, though uj 
able to obtain satisfactory information, as to the hostile intentions ( 



[65] 4 



c 



the Creek Indians, I learned that two of the party, mentioned in my 
last, had been killed, and some others wounded: and that the Indians 
had afterwards killed two of our citizens, a Mr, West, and another, 
whose name, my informant, colonel Files, (from the settlement of 
Alabama, near where the act was perpetrated) had forgotten. 

Some negro men, belonging to Don M'Gill, of Mobile, taken 
some months ago to Apalachacola, by the British, voluntarily return- 
ed a few days past. Their statement of the supplies and negroes, 
left by the British, corresponds with that, contained in the deposition 
of Jervais, enclosed in the letter which I had the honor to address to 
you on the 14th instant. The negroes add, that there are at Apala- 
chacola nearly 800 Indian warriors, and that the negroes were per- 
mitted to remain with the Indians as freemen, or return to their mas- 
ters, as they should elect, and that but few had agreed to return. 

I feel convinced that the Indians are generally under the im- 
pressions that the lands ceded to the United States, by the treaty 
with general Jackson, must be restored, or that a war must en- 
sue; and that their friends, the British, will re-establish them in the 
possession of these lands 

So industriously have these impressions been circulated by the 
Brit'ih and Spanish agents among the Indians, that so far as I can 
lear? , not only the chiefs, but the common warriors, are in the habit 
of saying, that the British treaty with the Americans, gives the Indians 
their lands, taken by the treaty with general Jackson. 

Since writing the above, I have been furnished with the enclosed 
deposition of S. Dale, who is a major of militia. 

I have the honor to be, 

Most respectfully, 

Sir, your obedient servant, 

EDMUND P. GAINES, 

Major general by brevet. 

P. S. Since closing my letter, I learn that Nicholls, said to be 
a colonel in the British service, is still at Apalachacola, and that he 
has 900 Indians, and 450 negroes under arms. This account is 
brought by a very intelligent negro man, belonging to D. Kennedy , 
at Mobile. I think it goes to strengthen the accounts heretofore giv- 
en, in my letter of the 14th instant. 

E. P. c 

The Hon. A. J. Dallas, 

Acting Sec'y at War, Washington City. 



44 f653 



No. 8. 

Memorandum of a gentleman of respectability at Bermuda. 

St. George, (Bermuda, J 2lst May, 1815. 

Capt. Rawlins, of H. M. ship Borer, has stated to me, in the 
course of various conversations, that at the time of his departure 
from Apalachacola, (which appears to have been about the 20th to the 
28th April) the British had collected upwards of three hundred per- 
sona, at or nenr Prospect Bluff, partly deserters from the United 
States, and partly from the Spanish Provinces of East and West Flo« 
rida. These people had been received and protected by colonel Ni- 
Cholls of the royal marines, who was stationed at that place, and who 
appears to have been under the impression (at least he said so) that 
the Spanish authorities had no right to the country in that vicinity. 

Admiral Cochrane, however, appears to have disapproved of 
Nicholls's conduct, in affording protection to the Spanish slaves; and 
had sent the Hon. captain Spencer to Pensacola, for the purpose of 
making arrangements for their restoration; who accordingly proceed- 
ed to Apalachicola, with captain Pentado, named commissioner on 
the part of the Spaniards. 

It does not appear, that these gentlemen were successful in their 
mission; as it wasundestood, that the refugees were not to be coerced; 
but merely such facilities afforded to those, who voluntarily agreed to 
return, as might be found necessary. 

Much altercation has arisen out of this commission, in conse- 
quence of many officers having espoused the cause of the slaves; and, 
at one time, the life of captain Spencer had been threatened by the 
negroes. Captain Rawlins adds, that much ammunition, and a good 
many stands of arms, with some pieces of artillery, had been left 
with them; and that the fort constructed by colonel Nicholls would 
not be destroyed. 

I have since learned, that the Carron, which must have sailed 
from Apalachacola, previous to the Borer, is arrived at Nassau, on 
her way to Bermuda, with 176 slaves of all ages. As she is daily 
expected, and as captain Spencer is now on his way here, it might 
be as well to wait their arrival, before you make any official commu- 
nication to your government, on the subject. It is, however, obvi- 
ous, that were you in possession of the whole facts, no time ought to 
be lost in recommending the adoption of speedy, energetic measures, 
for the destruction of a thing, held so likely to become dangerous to 
the state of Georgia. The Spaniards are not in a situation to do it, 
but I dare say would co-operate. I have learned, that the whole of the 



[65] 



4.5 



slaves, broughtfrom the United States, have been sent to Nova Sco-» 
tia, with the exception of a few, that were lately shmped to the isl- 
and of Trinidad, in H. M. ship the Levant; and such is have enlist- 
ed in the colonial marines, were in these islands. A few stragglers 
have contrived to get on shore in the Bermudas, and by the conni- 
vance of their colonized friends, to remain; very contrary to the 
wishes of the inhabitants, who are, in general, desirous of getting 

rid of them. , 

It has been whispered (I know not with what truth) that the peo- 
ple expected in the Carron, who are from Louisiana, and West Flo- 
rida, are also to be sent to Trinidad. 

The Carron is arrived; and this morning I understood trom 
Messrs. James and Michael Carron, the agents of Sir Alexander 
Cochrane, the Carron was going to some part of the West Indies, un- 
questionably to Trinidad. 



No. 9. 

Address to the king of England \ from the Indiana, published in the 
English newspapers, of the 15th August, 1818. 

We, the chiefs of the Muscogee nation, in full council assembled^ 
on behalf of ourselves, and our people, do make the following ret 
quests of our good father, king George, and declare to him certai L 
resolutions we have come to, with our reasons for so doing. 

We conceive it to be indispensably necessary for our good, a 
well as to make us useful allies of Great Britain, that British officerj 
should be constantly kept among us, and we request that our good fa 1 
ther will grant us this favor. Since colonel Brown left us, we have 
been a prey to civil dissentions, fomented and kept up by our invete- 
rate and never to be satisfied foe, the Americans; by their bad adviie 
has brother been in the act of shedding the blood of brother, arid 
when the land becomes thus desolated, they possess themselves of ft, 
so that we shall soon be driven to the desert sands of the sea, from 
the fertile fields of our forefathers; and we are told, that the Span- 
iards will not let us trade with the British from the mouths of our 
rivers; we, therefore, further request, that our good father will secure 
for us the mouths of the rivers ApaUchacola, Alabama, and St. Ma- 



m 

tter 



46 f65] 

ry's; for if our communication is once more cut off from his chi 
dren, we shall be totally ruined; we have fought ,nd hied for hi 
against the Americans, by which we have made them our more bitte, 
32 a0d " he has p«d the friend of the oppressed nat on be. 
yond the great waters, he will surely not forget the sufferings of his 
once happy children here. We therefore rely on his future protec 
tion and his fatherly kindness; we will truly keep the talks which his ' 
chief has given us, if he is graciously pleased Jcontinu h otec- < 
tion; famine .. now devouring up ourselves and our children, by rea- 
son of our upper town brethren being driven down upon u , in he 
time the corn was green, and now their miseries and necessities cause 
hemtorootuptheseedofourfuturecrop, so that what we 
the day we are obliged to watch at night. Was it not for the powder 

Re7^ fr ,° m >' 0l \ chief > ?' Wh ° ,e ° f " he " atio » would be in dLtTthe 
Red Sticks have shot and eat up almost the whole of our cattle- for 

can blame them when they are pressed by such cruel necessity. Thus 
we are situated, and we are only looking to the departure or the stay 
of your children, as the signal of our destruction or prosperity! In 
former times, after the British left us, to show our love and regard 
for their nation we made a grant of our lands to the house of Pan- 
ton, Leslie ana Co and latterly to the house of John Forbes and Co 
on certain terms that they were to settle the lands with British men' 
and keep up a sufficient and good assortment of all sorts of merchan- 
dise suitable to our wants; but instead of their doing this the v have at 
tempted to settle our lands with Americans, and h!Je re/uS to up." 
jply us w.th powder, when we were attacked bv our enemies and have 
mrged us to declare for the Americans against the BrS h/and toe 
-offered rewards to us for that purpose, and they have actually written 

Briri, e h r "I" 15 W ° "f^ am ° n * US ' desirin S them to obstruct S 
British officers all in their power, from assisting us, and tc represent 

to them, also, how impossible it would be for them to succeed La ns 
he Amencans, and we having intercepted their letters, did deliver 
them to heut col. Nicholls, who is our witness, and the said letters 
were delivered by an Indian to John Forbes, at St. Augustine, to be 
forwarded by him as aforesaid; and as it does stand thus, on unques! 
Uonable proof, that the said house of Forbes and Co. have shameful. 
Iy broken their contracts with us, we do, in this our full assembly, de- 
dare all their property in our nation, to be confiscated to the nation- 
and we further annul and declare void our grant or grants of lands' 
accordingly, warning them, and all belonging to them, never to ap- 
pear again in the nation. And the United States, or some part thereof 
have thought proper to run a line or wagon road through the Indian 
nation, from Hartford, ,n Georgia, to Mobile, in West Florida, with- 
out our consent, and to our great hurt and annoyance. 

We implore our good father that he will cause them to disuse 
the said road, and to cease all communication between them and us 
as we are determined to cease having any communication with them' 



[65] 




* n A we warn all Americans to keep out of this nation. And whereas, 
thatlvoune chief called Mcintosh, was sent with a message of re- 
rnonstrance S aga nst the abovementioned road being run, and of seve- 
ral oScr encroachments on the Tombigby, Cooza, and Alabama 
rive -Instead of his making such remonstrance, he suffered himself 
to be tr ck d by our enemy, and unlawfully sold to them a large tract 
of Una on and about the rivers Aconee, Oakemulgee, which tracts 
o land we implore our good father to use his endeavor in getting re, 
atoration of them, and that the Americans may be obliged to with- 
draw from hem The abovementioned M'Intosh holds a commis- 
stTas mlr in the American army, and of the Creek regiment; he 
has c^ much blood to be spilt, for which we denote him o 

t he whole nation an d will ^^^«££^ ana 
one who may kill mm, ne na\ m& <jh « ou or «Vi»*» 

Z\pl a brother, who was on ar .errand of peace to^ur Xher,*^ 
brethren, for no other reason alkdged aga.ns him *™ h ^™ D £ 
Rritish arms about him, and in this, we are told he has been encourag 
fdbv colonel Hawkins although long after peace was declared and 
aU ho^t htv o dered to cease. We farther request lieutenant colon ! 
NichoUs will return our grateful thanks to our good father, and his 
fh eM ; e" and r iand, fcfr the useful and good presents he hasten 
to us by them; and also, that the '^^^Xtioi their brother y 

ized to ratify this treaty. 

Given under our hands, at the British fort, at the confluence oi 
The Chatutouchee and Flint rivers, this 10th March, 1815. 



Hopoath Mico, king ofthe\foi» 
nations, x his m&rk* 
Hopy Mico, x T. P. 
Nehemathla, 1st x. 
Justomic Hago, x 
Onus Hago, x 



48 t*0 

Nehemathla, 2d K 
Nehemathla, 3d x 
Justomic Emathla, x 
Octaithge Hago, x 

Acopehigemathlo, x 
Tatao Mico, x 

H, , his 

opoathla Justanuggee, x 

r> ■., . mark. 

t<onope Mathla, x 

Yatoule Mathla, x 

Johnson x 

Hidlis Hadgo, x 

Witness— F^ Ttf; i. 11 ,• And fourteen other chiefs, 

ftitness— Ed. Nicholla, lieutenant colonel. 
«. Boss, captain, rifle corps. 

Wm H He M Cap ,' ain 4st Wcst Ind * regiment 
Wm. Hambly, heutenant, and 1st interpreter. 



No. 10. 



i ? ,r, ^ (i i5a** * *■ ****■ 



July 10, 1815. 



&S^ * ? a position OD 

V e, entitled to particular attention I 2S' ,S ' ° n the same PHnci- 
respondence between him and colonel H» T ^ * C ° P >' ° f a c " r - 
Stateswith the Creeks, and ^Tl^^T? ^*'*'* 
ffneral Gaines, with the affidavit of £ / Uer from ma J°r 
nature and effect of his extraordinarf « ^A which show 'he 
4th that nation. It appear hv rnl X 'i * n * un J U8t 'fc*le interference 
side ,s our treaty vvith^the ^Creeks Thtf 011 / 8 ^^ that he co «- 
% the treaty with Gr^tm£nl^^ e ^ Venlmonthib ^ 
ai4 that he is endeavoring to fm^ZfS? ^ ^ by the latter > 
cjte them to hostility, in slpponrf it Ihi T? " ° n *£"!• and to «' 
^ and ammupi/ons of ^^^^-giS £#S 



[65] 



49 



ir „ff-,™>ive and defensive, with certain Indians, whom he 

alliance, r olfc ?»'»« ij * 0< J, h ™ h he hi sent to his government for rati- 
calls the Creek nauon ; «ta»' ApaU chicola a military station, 

6 ' T« h, had crf°e«ed a large body of Indians, and fugitive slav« 
at which he had col ecteo » ' 8 > h „ purpose s, against the 

UnUefstYus The a To n duc« of^his officer /of'too marked a cha 
KS* any comment Hi^^are utterly and 

In calling your attention ^g' H " ° ^J remark 
todl on eScn , parucu ^' h I co»p^ ^ ^ 

generally, that as the treaty ^ w (hM (r 

the treaty of peace with Great Britain, the s < n f , OTel 

has no bearing with that .nat.on, and ' hM a °V 0,e ^™ er sl i g h,, is 
Nicholls, or other British agent with the Creeks, however 8 

iroP 7b"lrtitlTca fi „tt doubt that the conduct of colonel Nicholls, 
and ^h/o&UUh agents^, stated | . *J -^ndenca. 

ii,OC - " StX^lStW^h^ter^ peace, I am 

ready produced such injurious effects. 



vi 



No. 11. 

I^cl */« letter /KM the Secretary of State, to Mr. Adams, dateJ 

Department of State, 

July 2lst,1815. 
"The conduct of colonel Nicholls to the south is still more extr^ 

ertheless deserve reprehension, which it is expecieu 
jsove'frimen. will not hesitate to inflict. 

7 



S * C6«J 



*n.cd .^^^^SSSSJSS "f """ ^-Mf con- ' 

to be marked with unequivocal 1 , ° *' because the X appeared , 
'' Why, said lord Bathur at £ tHI eXtra0rd,uar y marks of hostility!" 

I believe, a man Jfi*^ truth ' Lionel Nicholh/is, i 

d'dmakeandsendovertTLatr^ He* * 

some Indians; and he is now fn ! t>f <f ens,v e and defensive, with 

«ome of those Indians lT„, f ° Ver here ' and has brought Tver 
whatever to make . .i.iy'oft^e"'^/ ^ • ^ ^ n ° ^^ 
that A* government would mate no ™ lf™ VG ™th Indians, and 
word, that I could not see hl^LZlu^' -'^ S6nt hirn 
here, m great distress indeed; bu" we Xl^T?' The India "sar e 
the means of returning home snT, f ° nly fwnish ^em with 

With the United States asTe'lf^ tl ** ^ m t0 make th eir terms 
particularly noticed h's'declara ion fe '1 P /^ W '^ that I hTd 
nel Kicholls, he said that tesho l' V had declined «eing colo. 
'al subject of his transaction* iA pei ?T' See h,ro u P on the Rene- 
-gard to his treaty wUh th" tig^S he had decli - d -eing hfmt 

^iverpoo/ r:^S&-. * that of lord 
him, was altogether ebod h,»m V ? abt)ut a month before with- 
all the officers m-l^. ^^^^^ f The cJnfi 
ed; and I understood, at first thToh « f ' Wa ; ex P Iic "ly disavow- 
he had declined seeing colonelSicholu" 10 " - IOrd Bathtlrst th ^ 
intended to exhibit toward. th,f J? ' 3S an ,ntim ation that it was 
Pleasure. But the a^equeVt !«."■' UneqU,Vocal ™rks of Ts! 
although thedisapprobaSf h ls P n anat,0 ^ left me l ° concIud e, that 
be th mC '/ he , Utm ° St ext -t of it h^wouldP T ^^ express^ 
I * f M USal to ratif y his treat' nff b e shown to him, would 

Indian*." * treat y> offensive and defensive, with th? 



No. 12. £. 



25£A September, isfs 



[653 



51 



structions which I had received from the government of the United 
States, the proceedings of several British officers in America, and up- 
on the American coast, marked with characters, incompatible, not on- 
ly with those amicable relations which it is the earnest desire of the 
American government to restore and to cultivate, but even with the 
condition of peace, which had been restored between the two coun- 
tries by the treaty of Ghent. 

It was with the highest satisfaction that I understood your lord- 
ship, in the name of the British government, to disavow the proceed- 
ings of all those officers, of which it had been my duty to complain; 
and that I received from you the assurance, that orders had long since 
been given for the restoration of the post of Michilimakinac to the 
United States; that instructions had been given to promote by all 
suitable means, the restoration of peace between the Indians and the 
United States; and particularly, that colonel Nicholls, in pretending 
to conclude a treaty oiTensive and defensive with certain Indians, be- 
longing within the jurisdiction of the United States, had not only 
acted without authority, but incurred the disapprobation of his ma, 5 * 
iesty's government.'! 



No. U. a, 



Extract of a letter from Mr. Adams, to the Secretary of State, con* 
taining the substance of a conversation with lord Castlereagh t dat* 
ed London, %th February 1816. 

" I next observed, that, at the other extremity of the United 
States, the Indians again appeared in the shape of disturbers of the 
peace between our countries. I recapitulated your remonstrances to 
Jlr. Baker, and mine, by your order, to lord Bathurst, against the 
conduct of col. Nicholls; that officer's pretended treaties of alliance, 
offensive and defensive, and of commerce) and navigation,with certain 
runaway Indians, whom he had seen fit to style the Creek nation; 
and the very exceptionable manner in which he had notified his trans* 
actions to the agent of the United States with the Creeks, with an 
intimation that we were to hear more about these treaties, when 
ihey should be ratified in England. I mentioned that lord Bathurst 



52 [ri65] 

had in the most candid, and explicit manner, verbally disavowed to 
me these poceeding of colonel Nicholls; had told me that the pre- 
tended treaty of alliance, offensive, and defensive, had been indeed 
transmitted by the colonel for ratification; but this government had 
refused to ratify it, and informed colonel Nichols, that they would 
agree to no such treaty; that the colonel had even brought over some, 
of his Indians here, who would be sent back, with advice to make 
their terms with the United States as they could. These verbal as- 
surances, I had reported to my government, and presumed they 
had been received with much satisfaction Whether they had been 
repeated in a more formal manner, and in any written communica- 
tion, I had not been informed. I had noticed the conduct of colonel 
Nicholls, in one of my not.es to lord Bathurst, and to that part of the 
note, had received no answer. As the complaint h^d also been made 
through Mr. Baker, a written answer might, perhaps, have been re- 
ftirned through that channel. My motive for referring to the 
subject now, was, that by the President's message, to congress, at the 
opening of the session, I perceived that the conduct of the Indians in 
that part of the United States still threatened hostilities, and be- 
cause there, as in the more northern parts, the Indians would cer- 
tainly be disposed to tranquillity and peace with the United States, 
unless they should have encouragement to rely upon the support of 
Great Britain. Lord Castlereagh, said with a smile, that he had a 
good many treaties to lay before parliament, but none such as those 
I described, were among them.'* 



No. 13. 5. 

j&xtracis of a iiotefrom Mr. 4dams to Lord Custiercagh, dated 

London, 2\st March, 1816* 

¥<It has been more than once a painful part of the duty of the 
undersigned to represent to his majesty's government, the unfriendly 
dispositions, manifested by British military officers in America, to- 
wards the Un'ited States, since the peace between the two countries; 
and to point out specific and unequivocal facts, by which those offi- 
cers, far from exerting themselves to carry into effect the avowed ob- 
ject of their own government, of securing to the Indians who had fol- 
lowed the British standard during the war, the blessings of the pa- 
cification, have labored with an activity as restless, and a zeal as ar* 



[6 5 J 



5> 



dent as they could have done in the heat of war, to instigate Indians, 
belonging within the territorial jurisdiction of the United States, to 
continued or renewed hostility against them. When in the course of 
last summer, the undersigned had the honor of exposing to earl Ba- 
thurst the transactions deeply marked wih this character of colonel 
Nicholls, he was happy to receive from his lordship, verbally, at once 
the confirmation of the facts, and the disavowal of the measures. Col. 
Nicholls after the conclusion of the peace between his sovereign and 
the United States, not only used every effort in his power to urge to 
war against the United States, tribes of Indians with whom they 
were then at peace, and who were far remote from any British pos- 
session whatever, but actually concluded a pretended treaty of alliance 
offensive and defensive between some ot them and Great Britain,, 
against the United States. Of this treaty, earl Bathurst, in a confer- 
ence with the undersigned, expressed himself in terms of unqualified 
disapprobation; adding that it had not been ratified or approved, and 
that no such treaty would be made or agreed to by Great Britain. In 
the pursuit of his projects, colonel Nicholls brought over some of 
these Indians to England; but as lord Bathurst, in the most explicit 
manner, assured the undersigned that no use of them, hostile to the 
United States, would be made by Great Britain, the undersigned i3 
persuaded that determination has not been departed from by his maj- 
esty's government." 

"How tar the threat of Indian vengeance is becoming to the hu> 
manity of British officers, or the dignity of their government, in a 
correspondence with the oificersof a civilized nation, and in a time of 
peace, the undersigned leaves to his majesty's government to decide. 
Neither colonel Nicholls, nor colonel James, was ashamed to use it t 
and it would be treated by the unc. .rsigned, as it was by the officers 
ot the United States to whom it was addressed, were it not his duty 
to remark, that in condescending to be the heralds of this menace^ 
those officers sufficiently indicated that they understood its being car- 
ried ints execution or not, depended upon them; that they viewed 
themselves 3s the regulators, to restrain or to license Indian barbari- 
ty, at their discretion; that they, British military officers, called 
upon the civil authority of the United States, to satisfy the revenge of 
Indian savages, belonging within the American juridiction, for acts 
committed upon the American territory; threatening as the alterna- 
tive, to let loose these savages to wreak their own vengeance, in all 
its fury, upon American women and children." 

'♦Independently of the very serious character of these transac- 
tions in themselves, the undersigned entreats the attention of the 
British government, to the spirit by which they were dictated. This 
excessive earnestness of British authorities, military and civil, to hold 
themselves forth as the protectors, through right and through wiong 
of Indians, not belonging to British territories, however politic it may 
be deemed to embitter enmities, and to provoke hostilities between 
? he Indians and the Amen cans, cannot but excite animosities far more 



n pes j 

formidable between the British and American nations. If persever. 
ed in, it must eventually prove most pernicious and fatal to the In- 
dians themselves. The occasion will justfy the expression of the 
hope tha,t orders and instructions will be issued to the local authori- 
ties of the British colonies in North America, which will leave no 
doubt on the nvnds of those invested with them, that the real exten^ 
tion of Great Britain towards the United States, is peace." 



No. H, 



General Jackson to the Governor of Fensacoln, 

Head Quarters, Division of the South t 

Washington, M. T. 23d April, 1816, 
rilK, 

I am charged by my government to make known to you, that ft 
negro fort, erected during our late war with Great Britain, at or near 
the junction of the Chatahouchee and Flint rivers, has been strength- 
ened since that period, and is now occupied by upwards of two hun- 
dred and fifty negroes, many of whom have been entjced away from 
the service of their masters, citizens of the United States; all of whom 
are well clothed and disciplined. Secret practices to rhveigle ne- 
groes from the citizens of Georgia, as well as from the Cherokee and 
Creek nations of Indians, are still continued by this banditti and the 
hostile Creeks. 

This is a state of things which cannot fail to produce much in- 
jury to the neighboring settlements, and excite irritations which 
eventually may endanger the peace of the nation, and interrupt that 
good understanding which so happily exists between our govern- 
ments. 

The principles of good faith, which always insure good neigh- 
borhood between nations, require the immediate and prompt inter- 
ference of the Spanish authority, to destroy or remove from our fron- 
tier this banditti, put an end to an evil of so serious a nature, and re- 
turn to our citizens and friendly Indians inhabiting our territory, 
those negroes now in the said fort, and which have been stolen and 
enticed from them. I cannot permit myself to indulge a belief, that 
the governor of Pensacola, or the military commander of that place, 
will hesitate a moment in giving orders for this banditti to be dis* 



1^53 SB 

Jferserf, find the property of the citizens of the tJnifed State* forth- 
with restored to them, and our friendly Indians particularly, when I 
reflect that the conduct of this banditti is such as will not be tolerated 
by our government, and if not put down by Spanish authority, will 
compel us, in self defence, to destroy them. This communication is 
entrusted to captain Amelung, of the first regiment of United States 
infantry, who is charged to bring back such answer as you may be 
pleased to make to this letter. In your answer you will be pleased 
to state, whether that fort has been built by the government of Spain, 
and whether those negroes who garrison it are Considered as the sub- 
jects ot his catholic majesty, and if not bv his catholic maiestv, by 
whom and under whose orders it has been erected. 

(Signed) ANDREW JACKSON, 

Maj. Gen. commanding Division of the South* 

To the Governor cfPensacola, or 
Military Commander of that pldce. 

A true copy— Isaac L. Bak^r, Aid-de-camp,. 



(Translated copy.) 
No. 15. 

Governor Zuniga to General Jackson, 
Most Excellent Sir, 

t*» tt -^ n c the 2 f h ° f the present month ' Ca P taln Amelung, of the 
fir t Unjted States' regiment, put into my hands your excel W«" 

AnH[w ted a iT aS r hingt ° n '. Mi»i»V territory^ on the 23d "o J 
riven tinrJ h, ^ aftera PP r « zi "g »e, that your government had 
given it in charge to you to inform me, that the fort of the neeroes 

rt^ctZ* ^H 6 laSt r^ (WUH G ' eat Britain ') near the Action 
ot the Cha tahouche and Flint rivers, had been reinforced, and was 

»ow occupied by m0 re than two hundred and fifty ne K roes manv of 

whom were seduced from the service of their V »a.^("£ 7 « 



5,6 [65] 

citizens of the United States,) and that all of them are well armed* 
provisioned, and disciplined; you make many wise reflections, with 
respect to the serious injuries, which may result from tolerating such 
an establishment, not only to those in the immediate neighbourhood 
of it, by disturbing the peace of the nation, but likewise to the good 
understanding which happily exists, between our respective govern- 
ments: you enter into an investigation, to show what the Spanish au- 
thorities ought to do, to put an end lo an evil of so serious a nature, 
in the mode prescribed by the principles of good faith, which are the 
foundation of friendly neighborhood among nations: you distinctly 
State, what the government ought immediately to do, in failure of 
which, your government will be obliged to do it, to ensure the safety 
of the inhabitants of the United States: and you conclude by request, 
ing me to state, in my answer to your letter, whether the said iort 
has been constructed by the Spanish government, end whether the 
negroes, who compose its garrison, are deemed subjects of his catho- 
lic majesty ; and if the fort was not built by Spanish authority, to 
sjtate by what authority, and by whose order, it was built. 

In answer to your excellency, I will state, (with the veracity 
which comports with the character of an honorable officer, in which 
class I rank myself,) that having arrived at this place, nearly ai the 
close of the month of March, preceding, and being informed of what 
vour excellency has communicated to me, (with this difference, that! 
the fort, instead of being where you place it, is to be found on the 
eastern bank of the Apalachicola, at about fifteen miles from its mouth 
or entrance into the sea,) 1 lost no time in proposing to my captain 
general, the measures which appeared to me proper, as well for se- I 
curing the inhabitants of the country under my command, from the I 
damages, losses, and injuries which they have suffered, and still suffer 
from this establishment, as to prevent the American citizens, and the 
friendly Indians of the neighborhood from continuing to experience 
them. 1 have hitherto received, no answer, and consequently your 
excellency, (who knows how limited are the powers of a subordinate 
officer,) cannot be surprised, that I should make known to you, that 
although my mode of thinking exactly corresponds with yours, as to 
dislodging the negroes from the fort, the occupying it with Spanish 
troops, or destroying it, and delivering the negroes who may be col- 
lected to their lawful owners, I shall not be able to act until I receive 
the orders of my captain general, and the assistance necessary to en- 
able me to undertake the enterprize with a moral certainty of accom- 
plishing the end. I am persuaded that the determination of the said 
chief cannot be long delayed; and, should it authorize me to act, 
i your excellency may rest assured and persuaded, that I will not lose 
t an instant in adopting, on my part, the most efficacious measures for 
e cutting up by the root an evil, which is felt to the full extent stated 
t in your letter, by the inhabitants of this province, who are the sub- 

jects of my sovereign, and whose prosperity and tranquillity it is my 
duty to preserve and protect, 



[65] 



5? 



With this explanation, your before named letter may be cen- 
tered as fuUy aTswered, as it gives me pleasure to understand, that 
rhinWas your excellency thinks, with respect to the necessity of 
destrovln^ the negroes, the fort at Apalachicola, occupied by them, 

nTconstructed by orders of the Spanish government; and that 
rh"ne^-Sgh ^ part belonging to Inhabitants of thi* province 
the negroes, «u b r su biects of the king my master, 

££^*Z^«A !&* the au^rity not 
onlv of W catholic majesty, but also of the P™?""™*™"*™ 
trv.ee thev have withdrawn themselves; some seduced by the En- 
IiSn I, major Woodbine, and their agents, and others 
ghsh colonel JNicnous, m*jui * > exce Jlencv manifests 

frr> m thpir inclination to run orl. IS at a-> >oui wiw,>.i>.jf 

wase ecVed; I have no difficulty in satifying your curiosity by m- 

Aathe did t under authority from his government; but I can say, that 
orranopment of vice admiral lYiaicoun, *uui u . _ , 

^roTnoru latitude to S .he V S outh. My predecessors in th,s govern- 
ol° ot Doruiwuiuu actions to the authorities on 

ment, have given an ac count of ^"^°° Hti| the violation re . 

years. ^g^ 6 "' ^ 1318 - MA IJRICIO DE ZCNIGA, 

His excellency Andrew Jackson 



68 



[65] 



No. 16. 
Report of Captain Amelung to General Jackson. 
SIR, JVVw 0rl ^ns, June 4th, 1816 

(having ,o wait 12 da* I at the Bay St T™.iTf 8 ,'° ^-"^ winds > 
place on the 24,h May. I was re efyrf a „d ? '^ !? Ved * that 
tion, by the goyernor'and hr^n^lndlto'^i;^" a " en " 

language. lam firmly of opin ion ? har*. derStand,n S the Spanish 
in his communication^ arc onv nc ittZlTVt^* H*** 
sacola have suffered, and do n^w suffer mi '"habitants of P en . 
the existence of the fe£ tdS garSon " ^ ° Ur drittB * fr ° m 

have^en^^itltTLm StSf^* "? 'F**"* as * 

haps be of some use. § authority, and which might per- 

b-c^^S « *■ eastern 

miles eastof Pensacola. ThenWdi^W ^ mc)uth ' and 12 ° 

Sound; and vessels, dmw^rf^^^"* St ^^ 
in between St George's an/st. Ccem> ^islands ■ *T' T y C ° me 
is dangerous, and requires skilful pilots bar ' howeve r, 

The fort was constructed by Nicholls anrt W^i ' 
British occasionally resoned thither- but on their fif"^ a " d the 
this country, left it in the possession nY* naI evacu ation of 

and Indians with four piece, «f he S T°^ com P os ^ of negroes 
Of powder, '&, Aboift wenty ChocLws f"' T* 10 ,'°° P oun *» 
and a great number of runaway negroes ,' "^ ° f Se ™noles, 

there some time ago; but Tea l art «f <Z ^T^ t0 have b <™ 
doned the fort, on account of *£££ ?2 f *".« «>r,gand. have aban- 

to Savannah (alias St. Joseph'^ in CXn "^^ ^ 
Will, no doubt, all retire in c*«l It , Florida; whither thev 

schooner, and seven Marie boats , "" T* by ,a " d ' as the y ^ve a 
if not interrupted. 8 ^ t0 make &° od the " retreat by sea? 

rivefC the S ^ZeZ:^™7r **"- °* ™<* 

they can procure subsistence S w itn TcnLV nd "" " ' """^ where 

Penaacola itself, is, I can assure you',' entirely defenceless. The 



[65] » 

*arri 5 on consists of from 80 to 100 effective men, exclusive of a bat- 

Sion of colored troops, say about 150 men, of whom the inhabi- 
ants ^themselves standi constant dread. They have about 150 ser- 
viceable mLkets, about 500 musket cartridges, and not enough gun- 
powder w fire a salute: one gun was mounting at Barrancas on the 
dav I left there. To this is jo be added, the dissatisfaction of the in- 
habitants and even of a number of the officers of government and 

army under your command at Pensacola; and I verily believe their 

professions to be sincere. . „„♦;«„ t W T wa« 

P The governor also, on my mentioning in conversation, that I was 
persuaded you would willingly assist in destroying the fort, said, it 
the object was of sufficient importance to require the presence of gen 
Jacksl, he would be proud to be ^"^^^^ 
the captain general of Cuba could not furnish him with the necessary 
means, he might perhaps apply to you for assistance. 

Having nothing further to add, I remain very respectfully, 
Your obedient servant, 

[Signed] VERO Z. AMELUNG. 

Captain 1st Infantry- 

A true copy, 

James T. Vent, 

Judge Advo. Div. of the South, 



No. 17. 



General Jackson to the Secretary of Wa.K. 

Head quarters, D. of the South, 

Nashville, June lBth, 1816.. 

8IR, _ 

I have this moment received the answer of the commanding offi- 
cer and governor of Pensacola to mine of the 23d of April, which i I 
hasten to forward for your information, as well as the copy ot the 



myTe^l't d yotZ ££ V *** who was the bearer ol 
warded ,o ni b ; ca^ain ISg ' re,a "" nS ' K "' in E "« Iis h. £ 

friend?ht p ra7d e as b t ho s V h m e - JF ° f Cand ° r ' and breath « th « »** * 
officially, as rebels taLTi "' ° D ° Ur ' r0ntier a « acknowledged 
fear of disturbing <ne 8 3td!r, er T nt °u' Spai "' there «» * ■» 
Spain, by destroying ^fhe ne«o ta "rt? i*" ^ b " W "" US and 
groes that may be captured ' restonD e <° th = owners, ,he ne- 

*Jfc?**ysSM a be sm u ar ient , ? destr ^ * * '- 

their escape and canmr* ThT f U naval force ' wili Prevent 

his report' I stTlC^U 1 ^^ \ n n Thf b - V -P-in Ame^ung in 
promptly obeyed and executed ' SUbjCCt ' Whlch sha11 be 

I am respectfully, 

Your most obedient servant, 

ANDREW JACKSON, 

Maj. Gen. Com'dg. D. of the fife 
Me Hon. Wm. H. Crawjord, 
Secretary of War. 



No. 18. a, 
&epi. Gaines to the Secretary of War. 

Camp near fort Jacisox, 

April 50th y 1816. 
SIR, 

dated nla'XS *?* lieut ' colonel Clinch, 

va communication from th~ H.?l *' ^ 26th inSUnt ' enclosin 8 
Wewith. m '^ h " le P nnce » a copy of which I enclose 

chieJn^rte^ to visit the Seminole 



[65] 



«* 



ises of the Indians to effect this object, I sanctioned a requisition for 
supplying them with three hundred bushels of corn, to serve as ra- 
tions. That I have little faith in their promises, I will not deny; but 
it seemed to me proper to encourage them in the prosecution of a 
measure which I felt persuaded would, if successful, be attended 
with great benefit to our southern frontier inhabitants, as well as the 
Indians themselves. 

I have the honor to be, 

Very respectfully, 

Your most obedient servant, 

[Signed] EDMUND P. GAINES. 

The Hon. William H. Crawford, 
Secretary of War. 



No. 18. b. 



■folk from the Little Vrince, Tustunnuggee Hopoy, to the commander 
of the United States' forces in the Indian nation. 

' Jackson and Hawkins spoke to us, and told we were their chil- 
dren. At the Tuskeegee meeting, you told us you would have the 
land as far down as the Summochichoba; but we chiefs did not agree to 
it you did not tell us then you would build forts along the river bank 
down to the fork, but we heard since you issued orders to that effect. 
We do not think it friendly for one friend to take any thing from. 
another forcibly. The commander and Hawkins did not tell us any 
thing about building of these forts. Did you know these things and 
keen them hid from me? We told our friend Hawkins we would hold 
a meeting at this place on our way down. We were at the Tort at 
Summochichoba, built by the commanding officer—that he had or- 
ders to build three forts. Our friend Hawkins told us tojgo down to 
the fort of the blacks, and take them out of it, and give thern to their 
masters, which we are at, at this present, when we have heard ot 
Jackson's orders about building these forts— we hear of your meet- 
ing at Tuskeegee. We hope you will detain the forces at the places 
they are at, at present, and wait on the Indians, as I am sure tne> 



6S [65] 

will be able to settle every thine- hm nil tk» ^k; r 

colonel Sins I Z d "?? "J* 1 * Comm ™^ » chief and 

sheet of mm „/ ^ g . y ° U , W, . U SCnd me back an ans ™er, and a 
P^^JS^. 1Q ° rd -- enables to write you 

I remain your friend, 

(Signed) TUSKANUGGEE HOPOY. 

A true copy—Rob. R. Ruffin, 

Lieutenant artillery, aid-de-camp, 

^&W' ? arably ' 26th A P riI > i8i «- 

(bigned) W.S.Pendleton. 



No. 19. 
General Gaines to Col. Clinch. 



Uesd Quarters, Fort Montgomery, M. T. 
23d May, 1816. 
SIR, 

*• u Your *5 tter< | up to the 9th instant, have been received Th u • 
tish aerent Hamb v and tV,« i:«.i • , Cfl received. IheBn- 

which I have Ten « a losV f P " nC ? ' ^ ° therS ' are actin S * P«t. 

.junction of the rivers to whirl, t ,. v, S ,lance - i-^e post near the 
month, most be estabii bed needilv T "T""' '" the IaSt 

wav to it through the X^fcffiL"' ^ '° ^ °» 
and settkd Ur iS°,ne h v VC com , men « d tying off the land to be sold 

nation annM^restvourTo'v P T C ' ed L The for « of the ^ 
aunotarrest your movement down the river on board the boat*. 



[653 



63 



if secured up the sides with two inch plank, and covered over with 
clapboards; nor could all the nation prevent your landing and con- 
structing a stockade work, sufficient to secure you, unless they should 
previously know the spot at which you intended to land, and had ac- 
tually assembled at that place previous to, or within four hours of 
your landing; but your force is not sufficient to warrant your march 
to the different villages, as suggested, by land. The whole of your 
force, (except about forty men, or one company, for the defence of 
fort Gaines,) should be kept near your boats and supplies, until the 
new post shall be established. You may then strike at any hostile 
party near you, with all your disposable force; but, even then, you 
should not go more than one or two days march from your fort. 

If your supplies of provision and ammunition have reached you, 
let your detachment move as directed in my letter of the 28th of last 
month. You can venture to move with twenty- five days rations, but 
you should order a supply to the agency, or fort Gaines, where a boat 
should be built, and held in readiness to send down, in case any acci- 
dent shoold prevent, or delay the arrival of a supply which I have or- 
dered from New Orleans. 

I enclose you an extract of a letter containing an arrangement 
for the supply, by water, and have to direct that you * will provide a 
boat, and despatch it with an officer and fifty men to meet the ves- 
sels from New Orleans, as soon as you are advised of their being on 
the river. One of your large boats will answer the purpose, provid- 
ed you have no barge or keel boat. Should the boats meet with op- 
position, at what is called the Negro B\>rt, arrangements will imme- 
diately be made for its destruction, and for that purpose you will be 
supplied with two eighteen pounders and one howitzer, with fixt am- 
munition, and implements complete to be sent in a vessel to accom- 
pany the provision. I have likewise ordered fifty thousand musket 
cartridges, some rifles, swords, &c Should you be compelled to go 
against the Negro Fort, you will land at a convenient point above it, 
and force a communication with the commanding officer of the ves- 
sels below, and arrange with him your plan ot attack. Upon this 
subject, you shall hear from me again, as soon as I am notified of 
the time at which the vessels will sail from New Orleans. 

With great respect and esteem, 

Your obedient servant, 

(Signed) EDMUND P. GAINES. 

Major gen. comm'g, 

Lieut, eel. D. L. Clinch, 

or officer commanding on the Chattahooche. 

A true copy— ROB. R RUFFIN, Aid-de-camp. 

* Note. — Thirty thousand rations have been ordered from New Orleans up the 
Apalachicola, and commodore Patterson requested to send to convoy of one or two gun 
vessels. 



U [65] 



No. 20. 



General Gaines to Commodore Patterson. 

Fort Montgomery, May %1d 1816. 

SIR, 

By a letter I have received from lieu'enant colonel Clinch, com- 
manding a battalion of the 4th regiment infantrv, on the Chatahoo- 
chie, I learn that in the early part of the present month, a party of 
Indians surprized and took from the immediate vicinity of his camp, 
two privates sent out to guard a drove of beef cattle, purchased fof 
the subsistence of the troops. The cattle, amounting to thirty head, 
Were also taken; the Indians were pursued forty five miles, on a path 
leading to St. Marks, but being mounted and having travelled all 
night, escaped with their prisoners and booty. 

This outrage, preceded bv the murder of two of our citizens, 
Johnson and M'Gaskey, by Indians below the lines, and followed by 
certain indications of general hostility, such as the war dance, and 
drinking war physic, leaves no doubt that we shall be compelled to 
destroy the hostile towns. 

The detached situation of the post, which I have ordered lieuten- 
ant colonel Clinch to establish near the Apalachicola, will expose us 
to great inconvenience and hazard, in obtaining supplies by land, par- 
ticularly in the event of war, as the road will be bad, and the distance 
from the sett.ement of Georgia near one hundred and fifty miles. 

Having advising with the commander in chief of the division 
upon this subject, I have determined upon an experiment by water, 
and for this purpose have to request your co-operation; should you 
feel authorized to detach a small gun vessel or two, as ,a convoy to 
the boats charged with our supppes up the Apalachicola, I am per- 
suaded that in doing so, you will contribute much to the benefit of 
the service, and accommodation of my immediate command in this 
quarter: the transports will be under the direction of the officer of 
the p,un vessel, and the whole should be provided against an attack by 
small arms from shore. To guard against accidents, I will direct 
lieutenant colonel Clinch, to have in readiness, a boat sufficient to 
carry fifty men, to meet the vessels on the river and assist them up. 

Should you find it to be convenient to send a convoy, I will 
thank you to inform me of the date of its departure, and the time 
which in your judgment, it will take to arrive at the mouth of the 
river (Apalachicola.) 

Knclosed you will receive the best account I can give you, from 
;he information I have received of the Negro Fort unon the Apala- 



[65] 



65 



chicola. Should we meet with opposition from that fort, it shall be 
destroyed; and for this purpose the commanding officer above, will 
be ordered to prepare all his disposable force, to meet the boats at, or 
just below the fort, and he will confer with the commanding officer 
of the gun vessels, upon the plan of attack. 

I am, with great consideration and esteem, 

Your obedient servant, 

[Signed] EDMUND P. GAINES, 

Ma}. Gen. by brevet. 

Com. Daniel T. Patterson, U S. Navy, 
Commanding JWw Orleans station. 



No. 21. 

Com. Patterson to lieut. comU Crawley. 

New Orleans, 19th June, 1816. 

SIR, 

The enclosed copy of a letter from major general Gaines, 
commanding the United States military forces, in the Creek nation, 
fully informs you of his situation and his expectation of immediate 
commencement of hostilities on the part of those Indians. 

In consequence of the information contained in that letter, I 
have promised the convoy therein requested; you will therefore take 
under your command, gun boat No. 149, and with that letter for 
guide, convoy the transports, with ordnance, provisions, &c, up the 
Apalachicola and Chattahoochie, to such point or points as may be 
required, if practicable; should you meet with opposition from the 
Negro fort, situated as stated in the letter on the former river, the 
military commanding officer wilt have orders to destroy it, in which 
you will co operate; the plan of attack to be concerted between your- 
self and him; the transports will be under your direction entirely. 
9 



In the event of hostilities between the Indians and the United 
States, you will if practicable afford any aid with your vessels in your 
power to the army. Remain in that river and co-operate with them 
until it shall be necessary to return here for provisions; but if you 
cannot aid them in their operations, you will then return imme- 
diately, bringing with you the transports. 

The transports, will rendezvous at the Pass Christian, and con- 
sist of the following vessels. 

Schooner Semilante, laden with ordnance. 
General Pike, provisions. 

By late information the Negro fort mounts only six pieces of 
cannon, with about one hundred men in and about it, planting corn, 
and I apprehend no opposition from them whatever; in the event of 
your remaining to act with the army, your will communicate with 
me by mail, through general Gaines. Should the boat mentioned in 
general Gaines' letter not meet you prior to your arrival, at or near 
the Negro fort, and you have cause to expect opposition, you will 
wait her arrival before you attempt to pass it. 

Very respectfully 

Your obedient servant, 

[Signed] DANIEL T. PATTERSON. 

Lieut . Cofnt. Cha. E Crawley, 
U. S. Cutter Fox. 



SIR, 



No. 22. 

Commodore Fatter son to J. Loomis. 

«7Vtw Otleansy June 19/A, 1816. 



The enclosed despatch for lieutenant commandant Crawlev is 
transmitted under cover to you, lest he might not arrivt at the Pass 
Christian, by the time the transports laden with ordnance, provision, 
&c , mentioned to you verbally when here, shall arrive and be ready 
to proceed to their place of destination, in which case you will con- 
sider thorn as addressed to you and act accordingly; in that event 
you will take under your command gun boat No. 154, together with 
the transports, and proceed in execution of these instructions, 



£65] 



6? 



In the performance of the duties therein pointed out, it will be 
accessary to act with vigor and judgment; and you will refrain 
from any act of hostilities against the Spanish force, or violation of 
their rights and laws. You will make no delay in your departure 
from the Pass Christian, after the arrival there of .No. 154 and the 
transports. 

Very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 
(Signed) DANIEL T. PATTERSON. 

Sailmg mauler Jairus Loomis, 

Commanding V. S. gunboat, JVb. 149* 



No. 23. 
J. Loomis to Commodore Patterson, 

Bay St. Louis, 13th August, 1816. 
United States 1 Gun Vessel, JVo. 149. 
SIR, 

In conformity with your orders of the J?4th June, I have the 
honor to report, that with this vessel and No. 15*, sailing master 
James Bassett, I took under convoy the schooaers General Pike and 
Semelante, laden with provisions and military stores, and proceeded 
for Appalachicola river; off the mouth of which we arrived on the 
l Oth Julv. At this place I received despatches from lieutenant colo- 
nel Clinch, commanding the 4th regiment United States infantry, on, 
the Chatahoochie river, borne by an Indian, requesting me to remain 
off the mouth of the river, until he could arrive with a party of men 
to assist in getting up the transports; desiring me also, to detain all 
vessels and boat3 that might attempt to descend the river. 

On the 15th, I discovered a boat pulling out of the river, and 
being anxious to ascertain whether we should be permitted peaceably 
to pass the fort above us, I despatched a boat with an officer to gain 
the necessary information; on nearing her, she fired a volley of mus- 
ketry into my boat, and immediately pulled in for the river; I imme- 



SS [65] 

diately opened a fire on them from the gun vessels, but with no ef- 
fect. 

On the 17th, at 5 A. M.I manned and armed a boat with a swivel 
and musketry and four men, and gave her in charge of midshipman 
Luffborough, for the purpose of procuring fresh water, having run 
short of that article. At 11 A.M. sailing master Bassett, who had 
been on a similar expedition, came along side with the body of John 
Burgess, 0. S. who had been sent in the boat with midshipman Luff- 
borough; his body was found near the mouth of the river, shot 
through the heart. At 4 P.M. discovered a man at the mouth of the 
river on a sand bar, sent a boat and brought him on board; he proved 
to be John Lopaz, 0. S. the only survivor of the boat's crew sent 
with midshipman Luffborough. He reports, that on entering the 
river, they discovered a negro on the beach near a plantation; that 
Mr. Luffborough ordered the boat to be pulled directly for him; that 
on touching the shore he spoke to the negro, and directly received a 
volley of musketry from two divisions of negroes and Indians, who 
lay concealed in the bushes on the margin of the river; Mr. Luff- 
borough, Robert Maitland, and John Burgess, were killed on the spot; 
Lopaz made his escape by swimming, and states that he saw the oih«*r 
seaman, Edward Daniels, made prisoner. Lopaz supposed there 
must have been forty negroes and Indians concerned in the capture 
of the boat.- 

On the 20th July, I received by a canoe with five Indians, des- 
patches from colonel Clinch, advising that he had arrived with a party 
of troops and Indians at a position about a mile above the negro fort, 
requesting that I would ascend the river and join him with the guu 
vessels. He further informed me, that he had taken a negro heaving 
the scalp of one of my unfortunate crew, to one of the unfriendly In- 
dian chiefs. On the 22d, there was a heavy cannonading in the di- 
rection of the fort. On the 23d, I received a verbal mes:-:ige from 
colonel Clinch, by a white man and two Indians, who stated that 
coionel Clinch wished me to ascend the river to a certain bluff, and 
await there until I saw him. Considering that by so doing, in a nar- 
row and crooked river, from both sides of which my decks could be 
commanded, and exposed to the fire of musketry, without enabling 
me to act in my own defence; and also, that something like treachery 
might be on foot, from the nature of the message; I declined acting, 
retained the white man and one of the Indians' as hostages, and des- 
patched the other, with my reason for so doing, to colonel Clinch, that 
his views and communications to me in future must be tn;ide in wri- 
ting, and by an officer of the army. 

Lieut. Wilson and thirteen men joined me on the 24; h to assist 
%k getting up with the transports, he likewise informed me that colonel 
Clinch had sent the canoe the day before. 

On the 25th I arrived with the convoy at duelling bluff, about four 
miles below the fort, where I was met by colonel Clinch; he informed 
me that in attempting to pass witiiin gunshot of the fortifications, he 



[65j 



6$ 



had been fired upon bv the negroes, and that he had also been fired 
upon for the last four or five days, whenever any of his troops ap- 
peared in view; we immediately reconnoitred the fort, and determined 
on a scite to erect a small battery of two eighteen pounders to assist 
the gun vessels to force the navigation of the river, as it was evident 
from their hostility we should be obliged to do. 

On the 26th the colonel began to clear away the bushwood for 
the erection of the battery; he however stated to me that he was not 
acquainted with artillery, but that he thought the distance was too 
great to do execution. On this subject we unfortunately differed to- 
tally in opinion, as we were within point blank range; he however or- 
dered his men to desist from further operations; I then told him that 
the gun vessels would attempt the passage of the fort in the morning, 
without his aid. At 4, A. M on the morning of the 27th, we began 
warping the gun vessels to a proper position; at 5, getting within gun 
shot, the fort opened upon us, which we returned, and after ascertain- 
in K our real distance with cold shot, we commenced with hot, (nav- 
ing cleared away our coppers for that purpose,) the first one of which 
entering their magazine, blew up and completely destroyed the fort, 
The negroes fought under the English Jack, accompanied with the 

red or bloody flag. 

This was a regularly constructed fortification, built under the 
immediate eye and direction of colonel Nicholls of the British ar- 
mv there were mounted on the walls, and in a complete state of 
equipment for service, four long 2* pounders, cannon; tour long 6 
ditto; one four pounder field piece, and a 54 inch brass howitz, with 
three hundred negroes, men, women, and children, and about 20 In- 
dian warriors of the renegado Choctaws; of these 270 were killed, and 
the greater part of the rest mortally wounded, but three escaped un- 
hurt] among the prisoners were the two chiefs of the negroes and In- 
dians On examining the prisoners they stated that Edward Daniels, 
O. S. who was made prisoner in the boat on the 17th July, was tarred 
and burnt alive. In consequence of this savage act, both the chie!» 
were executed on the spot by the friendly Indians. 

From the best information we could ascertain there were, 
2,500 stand of musketry, with accoutrements complete. 
500 carbins. 
500 steel scabbard swords. 

4 cases containing 200 pair pistols. 
300 qr. casks rifle powder. , 

762 barrels of cannon powder, besides a large quantity ot mi- 
litary stores and clothing, that I was not able to collect any account 
»f owing to an engagement made by colonel Clinch with the Indians, 
in'wh h he promised them all the property captured, except the can- 
non and shot. , , 

The property captured on the 27th July, according to the best 
information we could obtain, and at the lowest calculation, could not 
have been less than % 200,000 in value, the remnant ot the property, 



70 [«J 

your further infoSo^ ^ I haVe the h ° n ° r t0 tran3mi < for 

took the provTsior^ from ,h * V^V^ 11 ^' colonel Clinch 
the Semelaote "o as to «Im P™ P,ke ilU ° flatS ' and "g 1 ""* 
Crawford. O n the Sd ff, ^ f° ""^ ^ river 3S hi S h as *>" 
parts of the fort and vdld^ I 1 ? ^ 8e ." ,n 6 fire to the remaining 
chorale on the 12ch current ' ** *' nVCr Md ar " Ved at this a - 

app^S^ expressing to you, my entire 

2g gun vesse No 1 54 or hi g T^f. , James Ba3se tt, command- 
duct, and the suppo t iVeceived f ° ' d J 1,b ^ a " d ^^rly con- 

*"d danger. In tact Sir .T h !" m a11 Cases of diffi culty 

b m tact, bir, every man and officer did his duty. 

Very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

[Sisned l J. LOOMI8. 

Commodore Daniel T Patterson, 
Commanding U 8 Naval Forces, 
New Orleans station. 



No.24. 



SIR, 



Vommodere Patterson to the Secretary of the Navy. 

New Orleans, August 15th, 181£. 



here Jit r^ Honor to transmit 

the command oTsa 1 ng mL ter jZl^T °' T Z*"™'* 3 ' Under 
quest of major general Gain/. Ja,rus Lo ° m,s > despatched at the re- 
Creek natioi, to^onvovTwo t«n COmma i d i ng ^M* S ' ^^ in th * 
■»d provisio^ up the L£ ^Z'W**** *2$ ordnanc e, "ores, 
a, up tne nve M Apalachieola and Chatahoochie, to fort 



f65] 



71 



Crawford, for the use of the army; as also, copies of the major gene- 
ral's letter to me, and of my instructions to Mr. Loomis. 

You will perceive by Mr. Loomis's statement, that the unprovok- 
ed and wanton aggression committed by a party of negroes on his 
boats, as also their hostile disposition and conduct to the army and the 
gun vessels, and their approaching the fort, evinced in the strongest 
manner their intention to dispute his passage past their fort, rendered 
it necessary to silence their fire and capture the fort. The very 
able manner and short time in which this was so effectually accom- 
plished, with a force so very inferior, reflects the greatest credit upon, 
Mr. Loc mis, and the officers and men under his command; the 9th 
shot andjirst hot one, producing the explosion, and unless the fort 
had surrendered or been destroyed, it would have been impossible 
for the army to have received those supplies, of which they stood in 
so much need, and without which their operations against the hostile 
Indians, must necessarily have been materially retarded, if not totally 
suspended, and it was from the very great importance, as detailed by 
general Gaines, that those stores and provisions should reach the 
army in safety, that I felt it a duty incumbent upon me, when thus 
cailtd upon, to afford the requisite convoy for their protection. 

. 1 he service rendered by the destruction of this fort and the band 
of negroes who held it and the country in its vicinity, is of great and 
manliest importance to the United States, and particularly those states 
bordering on the Creek nation, as it had become the general rendez- 
vous for runaway slaves and disaffected Indians, an asylum where 
they were assured of being received; a strong hold where they found 
arms, and ammuniton to protect themselves against their owners and 
the government; this hold beiug destroyed, they have no longer a 
place to fly to, and will not be so liable to abscond. The able manner 
in which this enterpnze was conducted, cannot but impress the hos- 
tile Indians also with a dread of our arms, and increase the confidence 
of those who are friendly; add to which, that the force of the negroes 
was daily increasing, and they felt themselves so strong and secure, 
that they had commenced several plantations on the fertile banks of 
the Apalachicola, which would have yielded them every article of 
sustenance, and which would consequently, in a short time, have ren- 
dered their establishment quite formidable and highly injurious to 
the neighboring states. 

The English union jack, and red, or bloody flags, under which 
they committed their unprovoked hostilities against the American 
flag, are in my possession, and I shall have the satisfaction of for- 
warding them to the Department, by the first sale conveyance. It ap- 
pears very extraordinary, and remains with the English government 
to explain the authority for the flag being thus hoisted by a band of 
outlaws, as also their officer, colonel Nicholls, having placed so strong' 
a work, and with so large a supply of arms (most of which were per- 
fectly new and in their cases^ ammunition, and every other imple- 
ment requisite to enable, the negroes and Indians to prosecrte <-'tT-r> • 



72 [65] 

sive operations' against the United States; in possession of negroes 
too, known to be runaways from the United States, and that too, 
Sometime after peace had taken place. 

Herewith is transmitted a copy of the inventory of the articles 
saved from the explosion, designating those furnished the army for 
public use and those brought off and deposited here. 

I regret extremely the loss of Mr. Luffborough, killed in the ser- 
vice, who though much indisposed, and having sent in his resigna- 
tion to the Department, very handsomely volunteered his services 
and accompanied the expedition; Mr. Loomis reports his conduct in 
the highest terms of approbation. 

1 avail myself of this occasion with great satisfaction to recom- 
mend to the particular notice of the Department, sailing masters Ja« 
rius Loomis and James Bassett, commanding the gun boats on this 
expedition, as highly meritorious officers. 

I cannot but lament exceedingly the great loss of lives occasion- 
ed by the destruction of the fort, though caused by their opposition to 
a passage of the river and hostilities most wickedly commenced upon 
a friendl) flag, under which not the slightest aggression would have 
been offered them. 

The course pursued in this service, and the result will, I trust, 
meet the approbation of the President of the United States. 

I have the honor to be, 

"With great respect, 

Your obedient servant, 

DANIEL T. PATTERSON. 

The Hon. Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 
Secretary of the Navy, Washington. 



No. 25. 

Governor Kindelan to G. Cockburn. 

Mtst Excellent Sir, 

The support and protection which the subaltern officers of the 
troops under your command, now on Cumberland Island, afford to 
fhe runaways slaves of this province, under my charge, inviting them 



[65] 



73 



to desert their masters, and enlist as soldiers, with the tempting pro- 
mise of the liberty, which they will enjoy, when once they are trans- 
ported to H. B. majesty's colonies, has filled with consternation the 
peaceable inhabitants, subjects of H. C. M., to which may be added, 
the aggravation offered them, by the manner in which the restoration 
has been eluded, as to answer the claim which their masters make 
personally, by saying, that they might take those that would accom- 
pany them voluntarily, is the same thing as to refuse their restora- 
tion; for where is the slave that will voluntarily return to slavery, if 
left to his election? For my part, even if there did not exist that 
good understanding, concord, and friendship betwixt our respective, 
nations, I should feel very averse to suppose that the British govern- 
ment, generous England, would tolerate in its subjects, the spolia- 
tion of this property, belonging to the pacific, industrious and defence- 
less planter, not only of a friendly power, but (excepting in certain 
cases) I conceive, they would not permit it towards an enemy; I pro- 
nounce it as undeniable, that this laudable maxim has ever been so 
religiously observed by civilized and enlightened people, that until 
now it has always been considered as an inviolable principle of the 
laws of nations. 

This abuse or disorder, most excellent sir, from its important 
nature, demands from your excellency, the most prompt and efficaci- 
ous remedy in your power, in order to do away those appearances of 
hostility, which such unusual proceedings manifest; as well as to avoid 
the consequences which must result from them, and which, for mv 
part, 1 shall endeavor to obviate by every means in my power, re- 
questing Y, E. again to order the restoration, without restriction, of 
the aforesaid Spanish property, which I now demand of you, official- 
ly, for the second time. 

Permit me to offer to Y. E. personally, my sentiments of high 
consideration, whose life I pray God to preserve many years. 

(Signed) SOB. KINDELAN. 

St. Augustine, E. F. 
18th February 1815. 

His Excellency George Cockbum, &c. £s? c. &?c. 



No. 28. 

General Jackson to Governor Mazot. 

Head Quarters, Division oj 'the South? 
Fort Gadsden. March 25, 1818. 

I have ordered a suppTyW provisions to be sent from New Or- 
leans, via Pensacoia, to F©rt Crawford on the Con&co. This route 
10 



74 [65] 

has been adopted as the most speedy one of provisioning one of my 
garrisons, which must be maintained during the present contest 
against our mutual enemies the Seminole Indians. And I cannot but 
express a hope, that no attempt will be made to interrupt the tree 
passage of my transports to that post. I am not disposed to enter 
into any controversy with you on the right which our government 
may claim to the free navigation of such water courses as head with- , 
in her limits, but flow through the territory of his catholic majesty; ' 
preferring to leave these subjects to be settled by those legally au- 
thorized. But as it is necessary for me to make use of the Escam- 
bia river, in passing up provisions to the garrison at Fort Crawford, 
I wish to be distinctly understood, that any attempt to interrupt the 
passage of my transports, cannot be received in any other light than 
as a hostile act on your part. I will not permit myself for a moment i 
to believe, that you would commit an act so contrary to the interests 
of the king your master. His catholic majesty, as well as the United 
States, are alike interested in chastising a savage foe, who have too 
long warred with impunity against his subjects, as well as the citizens 
of this republic; and I fetl persuaded, that every aid which you can 
give to promote this object, will be cheerfully tendered. 

I am, with sentiments of respect, 
Your obedient servant, 

(Signed) ANDREW JACKSON. 

Major General Commanding* 

Jose Mazot, Governor oJVensacola. 



No. 29. 
Gov. Mazot to Gen. Jackson* 
^(Translation.) 

Most Excellent Sir, 

Your excellency's letter of the 25th of last month has been de- 
livered to me, also that of the 16th, in answer to mine of the 16th of 
February preceding. I now have the honor to acknowledge the receipt 
of both, and to reply to the former. 



[65] 



75 



In the month of May last, yielding to a spirit of conciliation, I 
gave permission to the schooner Victory from New Orleans, to pass 
up the Escambia to the American fort with a cargo of provisions; 
prompted by the same sentiment, I gave a similar permission in 
January last, to captain Call of the schooner Italiana, to proceed to 
the same place; and subsequently, pursuing the same friendly and con- 
ciliatory feelings, I allowed lieut. Eddy, belonging to the garrison of 
the fort above alluded to, who had been commissioned for that purpose 
by major Youngs the commandant, to supply himself here with sixty 
barrels of provisions. The cargo of the schooner Italiana being still 
deposited here, I conceive that the introduction of the further supply 
requested by your excellency, is not necessary at present. Notwith? 
standing this, as I infer from your excellency's letter that the said pro- 
visions are now on the way, and am disposed to grant the same in- 
dulgence as heretofore, while it is not less my duty to enforce the es- 
tablished regulations and restrictions, which require that the supplies 
should be consigned to a Spanish trading house, which will under- 
take to forward them and secure the payment of the royal import and 
export duties. J will give permission for them to pass in like man- 
ner as the first, it being however well understood, that neither now 
nor hereafter, the United States can pretend to or acquire any right 
in consequence of these indulgences, which are perfectly gratuitous, 
and granted solely in consequence of existing circumstances, which, 
as your excellency states to me, prevent the arrival of supplies to the 
said fort Crawford through any other channel; in addition you are 
pleased to remark, that, you are not disposed to enter into any dis- 
cussion with me on the subject of the right which may be claimed by 
the United States to the free navigation of the Escambia. 

To a discussion of this nature I am no less averse than your ex- 
cellency; because it is one not within my province, and because it is 
my duty, as a subordinate officer to conform to the orders of my su- 
perior; therefore, until I receive orders to the contrarv, lam bound, 
in reference to this point, strictly to adhere to the existing treaties be- 
tween the United States and Spain. On referring to the last treaty 
of amity, limits and navigation, I perceive nothing that stipulates the 
free navigation of the river alluded to; but on the contrary, that the 
sovereignty of the king my master in and over all the territories, 
coasts, rivers, posts and bays, situate to the south of the thirty first 
degree of north latitude, is solemnly and explicitly acknowledged by 
the United States. And if, in consideration of the present extraordi- 
nary circumstances, farther momentary concessions are required, I 
request your excellency to have the goodness to apply for that pur- 
pose in future to the authority on whom they may depend, as I am 
wholly, unauthorized in this matter. 

God preserve you many years'. 

[Signed] JOSE MASOT. 

Pensacola, \Uh April % 1818. 
To his Excellency Andrew Jackson. 



76 [65] 

co , Tr " e ^P iesofthe documents deposited in this command. Pen- 
Son) ^ 1818 ' m thC 3bSenCe ° f the Secrttar y C^ indispo-' 

[Signed] BUENAVENTURA DUBREUIL. 



No. 30. 

GeneralJachon to Governor Mazot. 

Head quarters, Division of the South, 
St. Marks, April 27th, 1818. 
SIR, 

After I left this post for St Juan, to disperse and destroy the 
mutual enemy of Spain, and the United States, a small schooner 
with men and supplies arrived from Pensacola, and was taken pos- 
session of, and detained by my officer left in command. This vessel 
has been liberated, with all her effects, excepting some cloathing of 
the United States, (unaccompanied with anv invoice,) and which has 
been detained as supposed to be a part of that taken in the boat, 
wuhin the territory of this republic, in which lieutenant Scott, of the 
United States army, with his command, were so inhumanly massa- 

I regret being compelled to state to you, that from the papers 
and other proofs taken at St. Juan, the quantitv of American cat- 
tle found at bt .Marks, and purchased by me from the commissary 
or the post, and the intercourse kept up between this post and the 
hostile Indians, there is too much ground to believe, that the Indians 
have been encouraged, aided, and abetted by the officers of Spain 
in this cruel war against the United States. Proof positive exists 
that the Indians were supplied with ammunition by the late com- 
mandant of St. Marks. The United States cloathing being found on 
board of a vessel, in the employ of the government of Spain, sailing 
irom Pensacola, direct for this post, compels me to call on you for a 
statement in what manner you came possessed of said cloathing. 

The good understandingthat so happily exists between his catho- 
lie majesty and the United States, formed a just ground to believe, 
mat his agents would have discountenanced this cruel and savage 
war, waged against the citizens of this republic; too weak to comply 



[65] 



77 



•ith her treaties with the United States, or chastise her own savage 
Swe^^^«8a««» Wendl y nat " 10n ' J ^ was scarcely to be 
bcli'cvcdThS her officers would have been detected in aiding and 
believed mat ncr ... w ith intell gence of our movements, 

f n rpufcha'r„ S Thrr p g ro e, 1 ^ depredated of us. America, just 
?o her treat e S f and anxious to maintain peace with the world, cannot 
and will no" permit such a savage war to be earned on m d.sgu.se any 

'^Tsylums have been granted to the P^Tm^dTaS f Z 

Florida" It cannot be longer tolerated; and although a republic fond 
of peace, t he United States know her rights, and at the expense ot 
war will maintain them. 

(Signed) ANDREW JACKSON. 

Maj. Gen. Commanding, 

Bon Jose Mazot, Gov. of Pensacola. 



No. 31. 

Governor Mazot to Major Youngs. 
(Translation.) 

The commandant of West Florida to Major Youngs, encamped on the 

banks of the Escambia. 

SIR, , - 

Your letters of the 27th instant, dated, camp on the Escam- 
bia and Fort Crawford, enclosing a proclamation, were this day de- 
Hvered to meats o'clock P. M. by an artificer, a man of color, whose 
immediate return does not allow me at present to reply particularly 
o Them and! shall only state that the few peaceful Indians who 



*' [6 Sj 

permit any further hostilities Z h. ' ^ant lm e, you will not 

territory, and in case the j n l- ^ My pretCnCe in this 

you will inform ^ f it tha TnE™ l" 7 ?**? for COm P ,aint ^ 
depends on my authority ' ™ y C ^ SUSe them for " « &r as it 

«!ft*^^ M* Have 

you of the result.1 I do assure vnn I Vl" 6 " 1 ' and advi3 e 

of .the aggression! committedby" th ^ InZnTfs the H • «ff*^ 
I have had of it, and that ff h«l7 ln ° ,ans . is the first intelligence 

prehens.ve were the only ones pointed ow to me } ™* * P * 

to prlTZ^ll:^^ aU W wish " S5 efforts are directed 
and" relying 5n yoS WeKL? * ^ ° Ur g 0ver ^ent s ; 

turn the asLa/ces of mine* SeDUment8 toward * «e, I offer you in re- 
God preserve you many years. 

« , J °SE MAZOT 

¥emacola % 17th April, 1818, a*,<jl. 

To Jl/^^r White Youngs, 
commanding the U. S. troops on the Escambia. 



The same to the same. 
SIR, 

In consequence of the reaiip**- «&# • j • 
2rth instant, Assembled the Sd^S ?h" f "V ^ Ietter of ^ 
towns of Colome, Canaan, LVv2Z d Fort, I th \ V ^ ^reek 
ed its contents to them: thev aU «„£,! Yu T^ a ° d com ™nicat- 
unhappy and miserab!e) "gg «P £ that they had long been very 



[65] 



79 



cheerfully adopted it, and were very grateful for the offers you had 
madeThem. These Indians amount to about 87, including women 
and children. I have settled that they should divide into two compa, 
nies, and they will set out as soon as your answer is received, which 
"hey think it prudent to keep, as you will, when informed of their ac, 
ceptance of your offer, be enabled to give proper orders for their 
safety on their journey, and their avoiding any unpleasant rencounter 
with/the Choctaws, who, if not duly informed of .t, might attack 
Them, in which case the measures taken for the peacefu arrangements 
that we both have so much at heart, would be defeated. 

Opahi-hola, an Alabaman chief, on account of his age = and ,nfir- 
mitres, will remain here for the present with his family. I have given 
orders for his relief, and pledge myself for his good behavior. 

You will always find me ready to unite with you in such mea- 
sures as may be beneficial to our respective countries, and are con- 
Wable to existing treaties. I renew the assurances of my respect, 
and pray God to preserve you many years! 

[Signed] JOSE MASOX- 

Vensacola, 30 th April, 1818. 
To Major White Youngs, 



No. 32. a. 

(Translation.) 

The governor of West Florida to his Excellency Andrew Jackson. 

Most Excellent Sir, 

On the 10th instant, I received your letter of the 27th of April 
last, informing me, that on board a small schooner despatched from 
this port for Apalache, there were found several articles of clothing, 
such as is used by the United States troops, and which you suppose 
were taken to the boat in which lieutenant Eddy was unfortunately 
cut off, together with his escort;— you inquired of me how I came 
possessed of those articles of clothing; and you proceed to state, that 
you regret the necessity which compels you to inform me, that from 
written and other proofs obtained at St. Johns, the quantity of 



80 [652 



American cattle found at cjr TUv.*.l„ j l. 
MarL We a r :d UP f Cd "frT'™'"" * "« >"<= command nrfs"' 

ruivocaflv ' Th r ? ly ln / heir ° rder franWy. unreservedly, and une 

^"^fiSiy^^a-^SoS^ disproved - and you? 
*.*?*. cond UCt y of he r„ c iTiro n f d s;:Ss se a r t -a ou ^:„ d P r 

", in order that if' hif m 'scon^n ,' be S.^hed' fc^ "* "' Uh 
condign punishment; hereby assuring v„ ^Sl™cv -^.T'™ 

seesaw sag sS5 «^ 

and o the passage of provisions up the Escambia. The b c « mode 
of giving a sat.siactory answer to these charges will be to off.™ 

a^ble t^mt t m r' eS ' " r a '"«• «^ » '-" I strarouX; 
sal 5 m. ■ m J° r the P" r P° se of communicating to them the pronol 

'u eU, S^ ^° UnSS * theirwh0| c number amounted but to 87, and 
surely the small propornou of men among them, unarmed, misem 



[651 



81 



ble, and defenceless, could not be considered as objects of hostility 
to the United States, a proof of which was shown in the continual 
pass, g' of American citizens to this place, travelling unarmed and 
alone, without a single instance of accident happening either to their 
persons or property. In regard to the passage of provisions up the 
Escambia, so far from suspending it, I facilitated it as far as depend- 
ed on me, even to committing myself; since as a subordinate officer, 
I could not becomingly allow a proceeding which was not fully au- 
thorized; I therefore, in consideration of circumstances, took that 
responsibility upon myself, as I stated to your excellency in my let- 
ter of the 15th ultimo by major Perault, to which I beg your refer- 
ence. But with a view to the benefit of this place, by means of a free 
intercourse with the interior. I hereby declare, that in future, the 
merchants and traders belonging to it, shall pass freely from hence to 
fort Crawford and other places on the frontier, and transport all ne- 
cessary supplies, either by land or water, by which means it is to be 
expected, they will be abundantly provided, and your excellency en- 
tirely satisfied. 

Ir, <iffering you these explanations and details, I flatter myself 
I have given soiull and satisfactory an answer to your excellency's 
letter, as to leave no doubt of the sincerity of my intentions, and at 
the same time, to have presented a certain pledge, that it is my earn- 
est wish to contribute, by every means in my power, to the mainte- 
nance of the good understanding happily subsisting between our two 
governments. God preserve you many years! 

(Signed) JOSEMASOT, 

Pensacola, May 18, 1818. 
To his excellency Andrew Jackson. 

A true copy of the original deposited in the office of the secreta- 
ry of the government of this province, under my charge. 

(Signed) CARLOS REGGIO, 

Pcnsacola, May 3 1 , 1 81 8 . 



No. 32.^. 
[Translation.] 

Certificates from JWw Orleans and Pensacola. 

Having observed, among other things, what is stated to you by 
major general Andrew Jackson, of the United States troops, in hip 
note of the 27th of April last, and communicated to me in yours of 
11 



92 [65] 

the 13th instant, in which you request me to inform you of what de- 
scription the articles were, referred to by the said general; also, by 
whom the coats worn by the men belonging to the grey and brown 
companies (de Pardos y Morenos) from the Havana, under my com- 
mand, were sold or brought to this place, they being the same uni- 
form as that worn by the troops of the United States, 1 have to in- 
form you in reply, that with respect to the articles of clothing shipped 
qn board the schooner Maria, for the supply of a detachment from 
the aforesaid companies at Apalache, and detained by general Jack- 
son, they consisted of fifteen four point woollen blankets, and were 
brought here in his majesty's schooner brigantine " el Almirante," 
arrived in this port 2d January last; twenty-five pair of French shoes, 
bought here of Don Henrique Grandpre, as per exhibit No. i. an- 
nexed; fifteen common negro hats, bought of Don Henrique Miche- 
let, per exhibit No. 2; and twenty shirts of Crea linen, and the same 
number of pantaloons, received by the above named armed vessel, 
with the exception of three or four of the latter articles, which were 
made in North America for the use of their troops, and came into 
ray possession in the manner I shall presently explain to you. All 
which clothing I requested you, in mine of the 7th April, to be pleas- 
ed to direct the proper department to have inserted in the clearance, 
as being for its account and risk. By the voucher annexed, No. S 9 
you will perceive, that on the 1st and 4th of May last, and 29th of 
July there were shipped to me by Don Pedro Dalharte y Clareria, 
merchant of New Orleans, the hundred and thirty-one coats of the 
uniform reformed there, according to his letter of advice; also, twen- 
ty eight pair of shoes, twenty Russia sheeting waistcoats, two hun- 
dred and fifty three leathern caps for the use of the chasseurs, and a 
quantity of half boots and leather stocks; all which articles were pur- 
chased from the military storekeeper at New Orleans, and brought 
here in the schooners Maria and Jalousie, under the charge of their 
skippers, Bartelome Alberty, and Jose Medina, who included them 
in the manifests they exhibited on arrivals, and the duties on them 
were secured, as appears by their appraisement by the proper officers 
on the 19th May and 11th August last. Hence, it is evident, thajt 
the conjecture formed by general Jackson, that the articles of cloth- 
ing detained by him, were part of those captured from the escort of 
lieutenant Scott, at the time he was cut off within the limits of the 
territory of the republic, is entirely disproved; inasmuch as the unfor- 
tunate accident of that officer and his escort happened on the Apala- 
chichola inDecember last, and the articles of clothing alluded to were 
purchased in New Orleans, in May and July preceding, as is fully 
proved by the letters of advice and invoices comprised in exhibit No. 
3, to which 1 have referred above. God preserve you many years,! 

Ptnsacoldy May \8th, 1818. 

[Signed] BEN1GN0 GARCIA CALDERON 

To Jdse Masot* 



£65] 



83 



No. 1. I hereby certify, that on the 10th of February last, I sold 
to captain Don Benigno Garcia Calderon, commanding the grey 
and brown companies from Havana, two hundred and eighteen pair 
of French shoes, iron shod, for the use of the men belonging to the 
said companies; and at the request of the said officer, I have deliver- 
ed him the present certificate, dated at Pensacola, this 18th day of 
May, 1818. 

[Signed] HENRIQUE DE GRANDPRE. 



No. 2. I hereby certify, that on the 12th of February last, I sold 
to captain Don Benigno Garcia Calderon, commanding the grey and 
brown companies from the Havana, nine dozen round negro hats, for 
the use of the men belonging to the said companies; and at the re- 
quest of the said officer, I have delivered him the present certificate, 
dated at Pensacola, this 18th day of May, 1818. 

[Signed] HENRIQUE MICIIELET. 



No. 3. New Orleans, 30th April, 1817. 

To Bon Benigno Garcia Calderon, Pensacola. 

Enclosed you have an account of the cost and charges of fifty- 
four shirts and twenty-eight pair of shoes, for amount whereof youare 
debited in account fifty three dollars. Although I had no orders from 
you for the shirts, I was induced to purchase them by the low prices 
and the probability of your employing them to advantage. In the 
sack they are put up in, you will find a uniform coat which has been 
reformed here and can be set by the store-keeper at twelve rials. I 
think it would answer. There are a hundred and twenty of them. I 
am offered by the same store-keeper fifty field tents, nearly new, at 
three dollars, and a parcel of strong leathern caps, such as worn by the 
chasseurs, that can be set at less than two rials, of which there arc 
about two hundred. The store keeper having made me a second of- 
fer of the shirts, I proposed to take them in barter for coffee, at ten or 
eight and a half; even at ten, I am persuaded it would be a good bar- 
gain, as it would give the opportunity of putting off the coffee, its in- 
ferior quality making it rather dull sale. The quality most called for 
is the green, which is much superior, and that hardly commands 
twenty dollars. The cost and charges of the said shipment of shirts, 
by schooner Maria, are carried to your debit in account current, viz, 
$ 176 13. 



94, [65] 

Account of costs and charges of sundries shipped on board the 
schooner Maria, captain Elberty, for account and risk of, and to be 
delivered to Don Benigno Garcia de Calderon, Pensacola, viz: 

C No. 1 1 Sack containing 28 pair Shoes, at 
2 1 Sack containing 54 Shirts, at 

1 Coat 
Sack, twine, & packing, 



6rs 


S21 00 


4rs 


27 00 




1 50 


king, 


1 00 




£50 50 


ent. 


2 50 



Commission, 5 per cent. 
Amount to the debit of Don B. Garcia Calderon, S 53 00 



(Signed) PEDRO DALHARTE T CLARERIA. 

JWrv Orleans , May 1, 1817. 

Account of costs and charges of ten sacks, containing one hun- 
dred and thirty one coats, shipped on board the schooner Maria, 
captain Granperta, for the risk of Don Beningo Garcia Calderon, at 
Pensacola, and to be delivered to him there, viz: 

C No. 3 a 12 10 Sacks containing 131 Coats, at lOrs g 163 75 

Sacks, twine & packing, 4 00 

gl67 75 
Commission, 5 per cent. 8 38 



Amount to the debit of Don Benigno Garcia Calderon, g 176 13 



(Signed) PEDRO DALHARTE Y CLARERIA. 

New Orleans y May 29, 1817. 



JWw Orleans, July 29, 1817. 

To Don Benigno Garcia de Calderon, Pensacola. 

At the receipt of yours, the caps were already agreed for, with 
some other articles of clothing, amounting as per invoice annexed to, 
$317 16 1-4 to your debit in account. I suspended the purchase, of 
the hats, which run from 8 to 10 dollars per dozen. \. 

Account of costs and charges of sundries* shipped in two hogs- 
heads, three barrels, two cases, and one sack, on board the schooner 



[65] 



85 



Jalouse, Jose Medina master, for account and risk of Don Benigno 
Garcia Calderon, atPensacola,and to be delivered to him there, viz. 

25 Cotonade Pantaloons - - at 50rs - g 12 50 

236 Flannel under Waistcoats - - 370 - - 88 50 
253 Caps - - - " " . «* . 47 4SJ 

A parcel of leathern gaiters & spatterdashes - - 15 uu 

20 Russia sheeting short Vest! 

51 Pantaloons \ 106 pa. a g 1 106 00 

35 Cotton Shirts J 

29 Ditto 7b - -V 5 

Cord, cooperage, &c. - - * * 3 50 

$302 06£ 
Commission at 5 per cent. - 15 10 

Amount to the debit of Don Benigno Garcia Calderon, $ 317 16j 

(Signed) PEDRO DALHARTE Y CLARERIA, 

JWw Orleans, July 29, 1817 

We the subscribers, merchants of Pensacola, hereby certify, that 
the foregoing paragraphs of letters of advice and invoices, are true 
copies of the originals, exhibited to us by captain Don Benigno Gar- 
cia Calderon, commanding the Grey and Brown, companies from 
Havana; and that the signatures thereto subscribed, are in the true 
hand writing of Don Pedro Dalharte y Clareria, a citizen of the 
United States, and merchant at New Orleans. In testimony where- 
of we have given the present certificate, at the request of the : atore- 
said captain Calderon, at Pensacola, this 18th day of May, 1818. 

r Signed) HENRIQUE MICHELET, 

VICENTE DE ORDOZGOITTI, 
VTE. BASTLONGUE. 



No. 32. c. 

[Translation.] 

He r ence o/F. C. Luengo, Commandant of St. Maris. 

In replying to your letter of yesterday's date, in which, among 
other things connected with its subject, you communicate J tome the 
several points treated of by major general Jackson, in his letter of the 



86 p65j 



« «$s^^^t i £rt h5 h s as rr that the Iodians> 

whose movements they were exactly informedK^re"^- 

Ten Cbe^" 1 " ?" "T ** " Which ™P°«™ *°* S^ 
tlr Unequally employed, to criminate the parties alluded 

ten anrl nfh neral S T • * is Stated ^ the S^ral, that from writ ' 

aule ^oundat'st M^/t \ JoYa *> the * Un * er of American 
came lound at St. Marks, and bought by the commissary there and 

the cons ant intercourse kept up between that place and the hostile 

Indiana, there appear sufficient grounds to believe, that they vvere en 

couragea and excited to this savage warfare by the Spaniards To' 

this I have to reply, that it has never come to my know ed« th« 

2 C S sf ]r n g t0 t ft "^ ^^ COnnexi ° n ' direcdy'fr'i d ! 
Mr A ki I 3nd aIthou S h Jt ^ true I wrote two letters to 

t^A f ^ a ? E ? glish merchant ' one of ^em was me X To 
thank h.m for the three letters he wrote me, informing me oTthe pro 
ceedmg, of the insurgents at Amelia Island, and of captab Wood 
bine, who, I informed you bv express w« nn, of ,h "P ram . J* 00 * 1 - 
were hum? the dav T l*f. a i e * press > , w ? s one ot the two chiefs who 
were nung tne day 1 left Apalache; and the purport of the other was 
to request him Jo come or send immediatel/fnr the property whTch 
at the request of the Indian chiefs, and to avoid increasing * 

I gave permission to be deposited in the fort, and to withdraw _ 
Relagne in whose custody that property was placed: and althonrfT 
in taking this step, I ran the risk of incurring the resentment of both 
parties, yet : it was one which did not seem fikeiy to i cnr sisp don 
Nor does the charge of a purchase of an extraLinar' numbe t of 
Amencan cattle, alleged to have been made at St. Marks, amhorize 

o 8 f re^rshment 8 ^' 00 ' *T * " n ° t0ri ° US ' that ^m tttime 
oi its establishment, its supplies were obtained from the drovers of 

&a£%^j&%^ * «y ' T - 

that fact, as they were known to have droves, and were in the S 
of bringing them for sale. It mav be remarked, thaT very 1 ttk care 
was manifested by the American commandant or magltrate within 
whose district these excesses were committed, to be placed in Tsitu 
ation to complain of them to the commandant, of S^Mark and to" 
X„r S then,arkg °* the ^tle, which would havV shown from 
whence they came, and have tended to prevent the purchase of thenT 
With respect to the intercourse kept up between the fort and he In-' 
dians, complained of by general Jackson, and the excitement and en- 
couragement given them by the Spaniards to commit hostH ties the 
charge is altogether inadmissible. An intercourse and good under 
standing with the Indians, was at all times strongly Commended bv 
the government, and never were they more necef sary dS the c£ 



[65] 



87 



cumstances in which we have lately been placed at the fort; general 
Jackson having founded on them a demand of its occupation b> his 
troops, and suggesting that such a step could not fail to receive the 
approbation of his catholic majesty. In the same letter he stated, 
that he had been informed by an Indian woman, a prisoner, that the 
hostile Indians and negroes had received .considerable supplies ot 
ammunition at the fort. I presumed that I had convinced him of 
the contrary in my answer, in which I represented to him, that no one 
better than'Mr. William Hambly, who. during his stay here, repeat- 
edly interpreted to me the anxiety of the chiefs to obtain such sup- 
plies, could undeceive him on this point, as well as on that of the 
counsel I uniformly gave them, to avoid the destruction that awaited 
them, and which I foresaw from the first. But it appears he is not 
yet satisfied, and persists in his charge. A reference to the returns 
of the public storekeeper, will show that from the month of May last, 
and prior to the receipt of your orders, there had been issued to a 
few of the most noted chiefs, and that u.erely from motives ot policy, 
only three pounds of powder, three pounds ot ball, and fourteen flints. 
The interpreter, Juan Sandoval, and his son Francisco, through 
whom I communicated with the Indians, can testify to the truth ot 
this statement; a step which I request of you to have taken, in sup- 
port of my refutation of general Jackson's charge. He cannot but 
know, that a short time before the negro fort on the Apalachicola was 
blown up, all the chiefs of the neighboring tribes went there and sup- 
plied themselves with powder and ball, left tor them by the English; 
and that at Mickasuky, and the huts thereabouts, there was a con. 
siderable quantity. Having thus obtained a large supply of the kind 
of powder and ball they most esteemed, they set little value on ours; 
which, in fact, they view with such indifference, that it is only a 
chance hunter among those who come to the fort with venison, wild 
fowl, &c. that is willing to use it; and although, as I formerly stated 
in an official communication; a supply was repeatedly demanded of 
me by the chief Kinache, with a view to prove, by the refusal of it, 
that the American interest prevailed in the fort, he did not succeed 
in it. In consequence, we, whom they considered as American par- 
tizans to the last, were reproached with it, and have even to put up 
with some impertinences from them. I shall however, in a strict 
adherence to truth, and because the circumstance may have given birth 
to these suspicions, proceed to state, that the chief Pelis-acho, who 
was executed, received, among other thing, at the fort, from Mr. Ar- 
buthnott, an English merchant, when he came from Savannah, to re- 
quest against the negroes, from whom he apprehended an attack, a 
small barrel of powder, which might contain from 20 to 25 lbs. and 
was placed, with other property, under the charge of O-Kelagne. 
What he did with it, I know not; but I well know, that the chief 
caused me extreme perplexity and vexation, by surrounding the fort 
with a body of four or five hundred Indians, 



88 165] 

but tLThe er us h e a dit i^t ^chtro^r 11 * 9*P *" *"**-. 
for the said Arbourknot at th, ? P f u 7 ' Whleh he Was c °»e«ing 
The charge ailege^ain* l^Tl^^uLl' * AmCriCanS 
stirring up the Indians, and in giving them info™? 8 Fl""* ^ 
ments of the Americans is the fffJri? V .■ Into , rmatlon of the move- 
how or whence cou£ EK to™ 1^°^ im -« in «ion s for 
than from the Indians themselves? itithe tlT "^ at the fort 
passed and repassed incessantly and I their r * e >\ Came and went, and . 
that they deserved very little attention • !- , P ° f* T'l S ° Various . 
certain was known of their op 2 ^ until U°°Jf "^ nothin S 
their tr o p S appeared at ^ ^ ™f ™\£l r *^™^"*** of 
of their boats were at anchor there for thrfe n V 3 ° Ugh three ' 
English colors flying until the da he V? u day *' the y ke P* i 

My different communications o v ouare n LV T" ,' ° f the arm >'« 
in the contest between the Americans and rlfV ? ' ' t0 ° k n ° *> art ! 
had great cause of complaint aga nst he l a t ter" fl?T ? h0WeVer 
ble to believe that I gave them that aid f \ u* then ,S " P oss *- 
complains, or how can the stew 1 'took t^ h"^^™ 1 Jack *°» 
Doyle and William Hambly, by wh Si eJ'fT ^f^ Edmun <* 
rison to the vengeance of the Indian? h eX P° sed . m y se ^ and my gar- 
affording them succor and aid or "cEjT**^ "i* the idea <* 
the most critical moment, an American l ° f If J? 8cu,0 1 8 fr °m them, at 
otherwise have put to death" uT^Ttn 9 KT ^ 0m *«* wo ^ 
cide, if these be not proofs of £^^"V*£ ° bserve ^ t°de- 
iavor of the American interest, and o S£L J f' Marks ° f a bia * & 
Will be thoroughly convinced, on deliberat. J" 8 ' general Jackson 
jpct. I shall not attempt to deny th t Ihl * r f ectln S upon the sub- 
barbarians, a policy, which hadVhe apnea ™„! ~° /^ tOWards tho ^ 
but by which I have incurred con P L *?! C ° fa Warm friendship, 
my situation be attentively examinee i i^w* 9 ****' If ' however 
will be seen that all this iasTcesstrv o '^ ?° ints of vie *> * 
what they had at one time premediS l\ ? train them from *°''*K 
luded to; and on oth W ^^^' ht P retext * have just I 
gone from hence to those XoftcZ^rl "aZ^TA^ had 
conce.ve, g,ven entire satisfaction on all the 7oCt ^ * haVe ' as l 
general Jackson, I begleave to request^ 

berating my statement you will be nleaseH - * PU / pOSe of Corro ' 

the declarations taken of the i, LrlreLTaL fu* "^ f ° r havin S 
tern Don Miguel Ordonez- o C i ■ h »° n ' of ^e subal 

public storekeeper, and oftiZ^^?"*" * Ws ^ Oca, the 
sons who have the necessar ^^T^Tt'^^^' 
God preserve you many years' subjects in question. 

[Signed] FRANCISCO CASO Y LUPTVrn 

Pensacola, \Uh May, i 8 i 8 . ^UENGO. 

To Z>cw JW Jtfam. 

I Signed 1 Amiecopy. 

JOSE MASOT. 



[65] 89 

No. 33. 
Governor Masot to General Jackson. 
(Translation.) 
Son Jose Masot to the commander of the American troops. 

Having received information that you have passed the frontiers 
with the troops under your command, and are now within the ter- 
ritory of this province of West Florida, which io under my govern- 
ment, I have solemnly to protest against this proceeding, as an of- 
fence against my sovereign, and I do exhort you, and require of you, 
forthwith to withdraw from the same; in default of which, and in case 
of a continuance of your aggression, I shall repel force by force. 

In this event the consequences will doubtless be the effusion of 
blood, and the interruption of the good understanding which has hi- 
therto subsisted between our two nations; but as the party repelling 
an insult is never deemed the aggressor, you will be responsible be- 
fore (Sod and men for all the fatal consequences which may ensue* 

God preserve you many years! 

[Signed] JOSE MASOT. 

rmsacola ,23d May, 1818. 



No. 34. 
General Jackson to Governor Masot. 

Head Quarters, Division of the South, 
On the line oj march, May 23d, 1818. 

SIR, 

The southern frontier of the United States has, for more than 
twelve months, been exposed to all the horrors of a cruel and savage 
war. A party of outlaws and refugees from the Creek nation; ne- 
groes who have fled from their masters, citizens of the United States, 
and sought an asylum in Florida; and the Seminole Indians inhabit- 
ing the territory of Spaie, all uniting, have raised the tomahawk, and 
12 



90 [65] 

in the character of savage warfare, have neither regarded sex or age; 
helpless women have been massacred, and the cradle crimsoned 
with the blood of innocence. The United States, true to their own 
engagements, and confiding in the faith of Spain to enforce existing 
treaties, never entertained a doubt but that these atrocities would early 
attract the attention of the Spanish government, and that speedy and 
effectual measures would have been adopted for their suppression. 
Under this persuasion, a cordon of military posts were established, tc 
give immediate protection to such of our frontier settlers as were pe- 
culiarly exposed, and strict injunctions issued to the American offi- 
cers to respeci the territory of £pain, and not to attempt operations 
• within its limits. These instructions were most scrupulously ob- 
served; and notwithstanding the inactivity of the American troops 
had encouraged the Indians to the more daring and outrageous acts 
of violence against our citizens, the government of the United 
States was still disposed to respect the territory of Spain, and confide 
in the ability of the Spanish government to execute existing treaties, 
-until advised through you, that with every disposition, the Spanish 
authorities had not the power of controlling the Indians in Florida; 
that their acts ot late were viewed as equally hostile to the interests 
of Spain as those of the United States; that Spanish subjects were 
not exempted from the evils of which we complained; and that the 
negro establishments in the Apalachicola and St. Juan rivets, were 
founded by British agents, contraiy to the will of Spain. These re- 
presentations determined the President of the United States to adopt 
effectual measures to restore tranquillity to the southern frontier of 
the American republic; and pursuant to his orders, justifiable by the 
immutable laws of self defence, I have penetrated into Florida, re- 
duced to ashes the Seminole villages, destroyed their magazines of 
provisions, beaten their warriors whenever they hazarded a contest, 
dispersed some, and expelled others across the river. 

In the course of my operations, it became necessary to visit the 
Spanish fortress of St. Marks. Entering the territory of Spain to 
fight her battles to re!ie\e from bondage her subjects, and to chas- 
tise an Indian tribe whom she acknowledged, under existing treaties, 
she was bound to preserve at peace with the United States, I had 
every reason to expect, that the American army would have been re- 
ceived as friends, and every facility afforded to insure success to 
operations so interesting to both governments. 

My expectations have not been realized. It had been reported 
to me direct from you, that fort St. Marks had been threatened by 
the Indians and negroes, and you expressed serious apprehensions, 
Jrom the weakness: of the garrison and defenceless state of the work, 
for its safety. From other sources to be relied on, the same infor- 
mation had been furnished me. It became necessary, therefore, to 
anticipate the movements of the enemy, and amicably to get possess- 
ion of a work, the dislodging the enemy from which might have cost 
me much precious blood. On entering St. Marks, evidence of 



[63] 



91 



duolicity and unfriendly feelings of the commandant evinced itself. I 
found that the gates of his fort had been thrown open to the avowed 
savage enemies of the United States; that councils' of war had 
been permitted to be held within his own quarters by the chiefs and 
warriors; that the Spanish store-houses had been appropriated to 
the use and were then filled with goods belonging to the hostile par- 
ty; that cattle knowingly plundered from the citizens of the Unit- 
ed States, had been contracted for and purchased by the officers of the 
garrison from the Spanish thieves; that foreign agents had free ac- 
cess within the walls of St. Marks, and a Mr. Arbuthnott, condemned 
and executed as the instigator of this war, an inmate in the corn- 

mand ant's family. 

From this fort was information afforded the enemy ot the 
strength and movements of my army by the said Arbuthnott, the date 
of departure of express noted by the Spanish commissary, and ammu- 
nitions, munitions of war and all necessary supplies furnished. 

On my return from my operations east, your letter was received 
positively refusing to permit (unless exhorbitant duties were paid) any 
provisions passing up to the American fort on the Escambia; con- 
nected with this strong indication of your unfriendly disposition on 
your part, I have, from the most unquestionable authority, that the city 
of Pensacola has for some months past been entirely under the con- 
trol of Indians; that free ingress and egress is pe. mitted to the avow- 
ed savage enemies of the United States; that supplies ot ammunition, 
munitions of war, and provisions have been received by them from 
thence; that on the 15th of April last, there was no less than *00 In- 
dians in Pensacola, munv of them known to be hostile to the United 
States, and who had but lately escaped my pursuit. The late massa- 
cre of 18 individuals en the federal road was committed by Indians 
direct from their return to Pensacola, who were receded by you and 
t:ansported across the bay to elude the pursuit of the American 
troops. The Americans returning, the savages were permitted to 
return. An Indian wounded in pursuit by a party, for having killed 
a citizen of the United States, was openly, in the sight ot many Amer- 
icans, received by you, and every comfort administered. Such prac- 
tice, if authorized bv the king, would justify me in open hostilities. 
Disposed however to believe, that it was one of the unauthoiized acts 
of agents, I deem it politic and necessary to occupy Pensacola, and 
the Barrancas with an American garrison, until the Spanish govern- 
ment can be advised of the circumstance, and have force sufficient 
to maintain, and agents disposed to enforce, existing treaties. 

This is the third time the American troops have been compelled 
to enter Pensacola from the same causes. Twice had the enemy- 
been expelled, and the place left in quiet possession of those who had 
permitted the irregular occupancy. This time it must be held until 
Spain has the power or will to maintain her neutrality. r I his is jus- 
tifiable on the immutable principles of self defence. The govern- 
ment of the United States is bound to protect her citizens; but weak 



92 [65] 

cv or necessitv q„ a „;Ik f ? y emy ' and on the P retext of poli- 

*V*X%nl%$£TY? 3r ! t0 ° Pen , ed t0 th£ir USe > an ' d e - 
cesssitv ofat^T havebeen explicit, to preclude thene- 

srf£23E3SS3»-<s= 

open J a„ indh&ual &£E 'freTto'the" =£& 
usna. and t he mi ,i,ar y fe rais hed with **£**%££&** " 

by vilte P a e nTatur e T dCr ^ reiWd ' ! *-»'-«• Jta—ta 
amicaHv adius ed b7,h , 8 ° Vernment ' umil lh * transaction can be 

win j£5££u 7o?:dt s the accusalion asainst >'° ur offi ™ 1 ■«*». 

%^&&%jsr by you ' until intciiigen « °> % 

w \]\^ y u re t eren ¥ c f t0m y communications of the 21st March vnn 
against ^ * l h ^ been the ***■« i» the measure pTotteS 

and ISS 3dViSed ° f the ° bjeCtS ° f my °P e ™ i0 -, 
vent the n Z7 t P }V P * Tt t0 SUCCor the Indians, or to pre- 
ed in P rT f I m J I ,rovislons ] n the Escambia, would be view- 
ed id no other light, than as hostile acts on your part. 

vations bv Z lT ^ * nd eX P osed m -V troops to the severest pri- 
provis on 7 thC ^ ct . em ' on ocsasioned in the exactions of dut.es on rnv 

s-S^^ «*?■ *■£ 

your part to mv H, m9n i -n y by an useless resistance on 



[65j 



93 



This will be handed to you by my aid-de-camp, captain Gads, 
den, by whom an answer is expected. 

[SignedJ ANDREW JACKSON, 

Maj. Gen. Commanding, 
Don Jose Masot, 

Governor of Pensacola. 



Head Quarters, Division of the South, 

Pensacola, May 2&th, 1848. 
SIR, 

The enclosed communication, was forwarded to you by my aid 
de-camp, captain Gadsden, last evening; not finding you however, in 
Pensacola. its delivery was delayed. 

I have entered Pensacola to provision my troops. I have only 
to add, that an immediate compliance with my demand is expected. 
Resistance on your part would be a needless sacrifice of men. 

[Signed] ANDREW JACKSON, 

Maj. Gen. Commanding, 
Don Jose Masot, 

Governor of Pensacola, 
at fort St. Charles, Barrancas. 



No. 35, 

Gov. Masot to general Jackson* 
(Translation.) 
Don Jose Masot to major general Jasckson, 

Most Excellent Sir, 

Your two notes dated the 23d and on this day, were delivered to 
me at ten o'clock this morning, by your aid de camp, captain Gads„ 



I 



94 t [65.} 

den. Having, in mine of the 18th instant, answered the former in a 
satisfactory manner, I shall only add, that as to what relates to the 
Indians, you have been much misinformed; the facts alluded to by 
you, being for the most part unfounded; in proof of which I have to 
state, that the only two Indians who have been here since the peace ne- 
gotiated by me, exclusive of the eighty -seven sent off to maj Youngs, 
are the two who are in the jail with three women and children; and 
further, that long prior to your movements, I had sent orders to 
Apalaches, to prevent any succours being given to the Seminoles, and 
also given public notice, to the same effect in Pensacola, where those 
unfortunates had from time immemorial received regular supplies. 

Your excellency is disposed to lay to my charge, the blood which 
may be shed in consequence of my refusal to deliver up this province. 
A compliance with your demand would dishonor the close of ;ny life, 
and long military career; and I feel assured, that if placed in a simi- 
lar situation, your conduct would be the same, from your natural de- 
sire to preserve unsullied your well earned laurels. 

Whatever motives may be assigned, no nation is authorized in 
violating the territorv of another, before di\t representations have 
been made to its government. 

Your excellency has violated the Spanish territory at Apalache, 
by seizing on that fort, and hoisting your flag; a proceeding in com- 
plete hostility with the good understanding subsisting between our 
respective governments. 

On the 21st instant, by your excellency's orders, Bon Pedro Phi- 
libert, with other inhabitants, were made prisoners on their parole of 
honor, and this day before captain Gadsden's arrival at Pensacola, 
your army advanced upon it and made prisoner, on his parole of 
honor, of Don Pedro de Alba, the interpreter, the same who translat- 
ed your two letters abovementioned. These persons, and other mili- 
tary men, whose presence was important to the tranquillity of the 
place, have thus been seized in an unjustifiable manner. 

These facts being established, I ask, who but your excellency 
will have to answer for the bloodshed which may ensue in conse- 
quence of the determination announced in your letter of taking pos- 
session of Pensacola and Barrancas? I protest, before God and men, 
that my conduct is blameless, and that mv sincere wishes ever have 
been to maintain peace and amity between our respective nations. 
The sincerity of my intentions is founded upon the President's mes- 
sage of 25th March last to Congress; the tenor of which holds out 
assurances, that no aggressions were to be expected from the troops 
of the United States. Unfortunately, however, their operations have 
violated the tranquillity and peace of thfc province. 

I expect, from the generosity of your excellency, that you will 
leave the officers and troops of the garrison of Pensacola at perfect 
Mbettyj that your army, after receiving the necessary supplies, will 



[6 5] 



95 



evacuate the province as speedily as possible; and that you will not 
carry on a partial warfare against West Florida, at a time when our 
two nations are in a state of profound peace. 

Lieutenant colonel Don Leni Piernas, provisional commandant 
of Pensacola, is duly authorized to represent me, and to receive any 
communications your excellency may be pleased to make. To all 
such, the most prompt answers shall be given, through the ministry 
of the bearer, the interpreter, Don Pedro de Alba. In conclusion, if 
contrary to my hopes, your excellency should persist in your intention 
to take possession of this fortress, I am resolved to repel torce by 
force, and defend it to the last extremity. He who resists aggres* 
sion, can never be deemed the aggressor. God preserve your excel* 
lency many years! Fort St. Carlos, Barrancas, 24th May, 1818. 

(Signed) JOSE MASOT. 

JSk excellency Major General Andrew Jackson, 

Commanding the Army of the United States. 



No. 36. 
General Jachon to Governor Ma sot. 

Head Quarters, Division of 'the South, 

Tensacola, May 25, 1818. 

si*, 

The accusations against you are founded on the most unques- 
tion evidence. I have the certificate of individuals, who on the 23d 
instant at or near the Little Bayou, counted 17 Indians in company 
of several Spanish officers. 1 have only to repeat that the Barancas 
must be occupied by an American garrison, and again to tender you 
the terms offered if amicably surrendered; resistance would be a 
wanton sacrifice of blood, for which you and your garrison will have 
to atone. You cannot expect to defend yourself successfully, and 
the first shot from your fort must draw down upon you the venge- 
ance of on irritated soldiery. I am well advised of your strength 
and cannot but remark on the inconsistency of presuming yourself 
capable of resisting an army which has conquered the Indian tribt 
too strong, agresably to your own acknowledgement, to be contr^ 



>e: 



96 [65J 

ed bv you. If the force which you are now disposed wantonly to 
sacrifice, had been wielded against the Seminoles, the American 
troops had never entered the Floridas. I applaud your feeling as a 
soldier, in wishing to defend your post; but where re istanc. is inef- 
fectual, and the opposing force overwhelming, the sacrifice of a 
few brave men, is an act of wantonness, for which the commanding 
officer must be accountable to his God. 

(Signed) ANDREW JACKSON, 

Maj. Gen. commanding 
Vivision of the South. * 

Don Jose Maso-t, commanding Barrancas* 



Certificates and Declarations. 

No. 37. a. 

We certify, }hat being in fort St. Marks, Barrancas, on the 28th 
of May, 1818, in the afternoon, soon after the American troops took 
possession of the work, and as the Spanish troops were marching out, 
we saw an Indian carried out by some of the Spanish soldiers.. He 
was laid on the beach, to be put on board a boat. He was wounded 
in his leg or thigh, and had every appearance of having been engag- 
ed in the defence of the fort. 

(Signed) WILLIAM KUSSEL, 

Cap ain Spies 

JAMES L. BELL, 
Capt. 1st Reg't. I. T. M. G. M. 

Witness, William S. Fulton, 

private Secretary Commanding General. 



No. 37. b. 

I certify, that on the 23d of May, being in the Bayou, which en- 
ters Pensacola Bay one and an half miles from the town, I saw at the 
ferry, on the road to Barrancas, a number of Indians, I think about 



[65] 97 

17, in company with 4 Spanish officers. The officers were carried 
over, and the boat returned to ferry over the Indians. I saw one 
boat load landed on the side next the Barrancas. The Indians con- 
cealed themselves in the bushes on discovering us. 

(Signed) RICHARD BRICKHAM. 

"Witness, Cross, lieutenant 1st infantry* 



I certify, that I was in the boat with Brickham, at the place and 
time mentioned in the above certificate, that I saw several Indians in 
company with four Spanish officers. The officers were ferried over 
with one Indian. I did not see the Indians ferried over; they con- 
cealed themselves on discovering us. 

his 
(Signed; JOHN j*| BONNER. 

mark. 

Witness, T. Cross, lieutenant 1st infantry. 

Witness to both certificates, 

William S. Fulton, 

Private Secretary Coin'g. GenU. 



No. 37. c. 

Fort Montgomery % June 2, 1818. 

I certify, that between the 5th and 7th of May, 1818, whilst at 
Fort Gadsden, on the Appalachicola river, I was informed by a Mr. 
Lama and Benneto Gassea, both citizens of, and at that time direct 
from Pensacola, that at the time of their departure thence, there were 
500 Indians in and about Pensacola; and I further certify, that on my 
arrival at Pensacola, on the 23d of May , I was informed by Mr. Skeets 
and other citizens of that place, that on the 22d, which was the day 
before my arrival, Holmes, (a noted Red Stick) with his party, had 
left Pensacola to proceed to the Chocktawatchy for safety, having 
been for several days previous in town. All which I certify on honor- 

(Signed) WM. HAMBLY. 

Witness, William S. Fulton, 
Private Sec'ry. Com'g* Gen'I. 
13 



98 [65] 



No. 37. d. 

Province of West Florida, Tdwn of Fensaco!a f 

September 18^, 1818. 

In pursuance with an order to me directed by colonel William 
King, civil and military governor of said province, (a copy whereof 
is hereto annexed) I caused to appear before me, at the quarters of 
captain Hugh Young, of the armv of the United States, in this town, 
the following persons, viz: Manl. Gonzales, Dr. Brosnaham, Wil- 
liam Cooper, J. Dauphin, — Skeete, Felippe Prieto, Joachim Barre- 
las, P. Alba, jr. Jose Bonefai, (Marian) and Charles le Jean, to an- 
swer on oath, such interrogatories, not tending to criminate them- 
selves, as might be propounded to them by captain Young, relating 
to the intercourse which took place between the late Spanish authori- 
ties of this province, and the hostile Indians, during the recent war 
with the United States. 

Joachim Barrelas being duly sworn, declares, that he has fre- 
quently seen parties of Indians in the town of Pensacola, since the 
month of November, 1817, says, that parties of Indians have been 
provisioned by the late authorities at this place on several occasions; 
has frequently heard, and believed that the Indians were in the habit 
of bringing into this place, horses, cattle, he. for the purpose of sell- 
ing them and other plunder. Says he was at Barrancas at the time 
that general Jackson came to Pensacola, in May last; deponent acted 
there as commissary, and knows that several Indians went from town 
down to Barrancas with the Spanish forces and took refuge in the 
fort; that, at the same time, several small parties were encamped 
about the Barrancas; that upon the arrival of general Jackson before 
the Barrancas, Tapaulca and family were also in the fort; deponent 
has seen said chief several times in Pensacola, and believes. him to be 
either a Creek or Seminole Indian; that while deponent was at Bar- 
rancas, and subsequently to the said month of November, 1817, he 
saw an Indian named Luna, an express from St. Marks, cross over 
from Santa Rosa island to Barrancas, with despatches for the gov- 
ernor here; says that since the said month of November 1817, gov- 
ernor Masot being himself at Barrancas, did order this deponent to 
give rations to several parties of Indians then there, of at least from 
thirty to forty strong, men, women, and children. 

(Signed) JOAQN. BARELES. 

George Skeate being duly sworn, declares, that he has constant- 
ly resided in the town of Pensacola since November 1817, since 
which he has repeatedly seen at different times, in said town, from 



[6 5] 



9y 



tblrty to forty l^^X^^ 7 ^^^^^ 
dians, within the period ^ed to. ™ the Indians aod 

horses, cattle, &c. were brou ? h ' I"' '™ P Dep onent believes that 
sold, which deponent how ever did t *- ^ ^ 

the late governor Ma sot ,"« w £ „£ hbor .ng American frontier; 
ders that were committed on the ne % * government, 

knows of no supplies f «°'f ^ h °~Y y %hen Supply of kn.ve.,a 
since about the month of ^ arch '° s ; ere furnis hed, and deliver- 
a few blankets and some copper ^ ^ then ^ of t ,ng 
ed to a party of Indians, tor tnepurp , of fe _ 

against the insurgents, who were expec ted, m ^ of them> 

dLs, shortly ^'-PPr^hat^ioTYoulgT attacked a party of In- 
Deponent saw, on the day that major «« u g ^ whom 

dians in the neighborhood , o th» tow» , nurn^ ^ ^ & feoat 

Jtfr. Cterte U Jeune, being duly sworn, M 
•jfcat He has resided in Pensacola sirice : November !«**- 
which'he to frequently seen, in >» » these ^ ere 

upwards of an hundred Indians enea P • were furnish ed them 
armed, either with rifles or with the *™ h h ties had 

E*. W* < hat a f th l U fhe Span sh^ov rnmeiit here' he never- 
received ammunit.on fro » *' S e P *" a partie. were provisioned from 
theless can and does state, «h« the »aid _P» tha t previous to Ko 

the king's stores, by Prieto, king . ™"J^ r „ the P habit of giving 
vembert 1817, the gover nment was regula y f 

out ammunition to the Indians, from a store ^^ 

«hat purpose here; "/^VconsTderable number eneamped 
Indians near this town, there was (he t f fire 

^olsed^y'nSot^s, and in other larger boats 
Wonging to others. ^ CARL0S LA VAIXE. 

William Cooper, being duly sworn, declares: 
That he has resided in PenVacoJ, since *%£%»$, ^ 
„hich period he has ^»^°™ t 80 me sheet lead; ar 

* 



100 

C65J 

that looked like Amrr 

(S,gned) TOUAM COOPER. 

. I«nif y>that the afore . '"> «*«*r ,«*, 1818 . 
«" W, before me £ Zj™ S *?**- ""* "»» - and ^. 

( Si Sned) M . MlKENNEYi Scn 

West Florida. 






(Copy.) 
No. 37. e. 



Answer. I have. ^nsacola SInce Noy . 

Question. Have vm, *<> 

■~£frfe ,=n ,D sa,d toWD ' or its *** ** <- 

Question. How man,, aj 
'deleft i„ S c C a ° m m ' n? T° tOW » "'Sllt*'?''^ 

SECrsassS 1 5Ubsist ****>*. 

Question. How manv T»^- 

to*-**-. ^S^taw and *■*»■ 

b attacked a party near this 



[65] 



101 



Answer. Of all descriptions, viz. men, women, and children 
there must have been a considerable number, not less' probably than 
one hundred and fifty or sixty. * UUdU V inan 

Question. When major Youngs attacked a party near town how 
did those ,n town find means to escape across the bav> ' 

Answer. I have understood and believe that they were set across 
the bay by order of the governor. y ss 

[Signed] SANTIAGO DAUPHIN. 

A true copy. R. K. Call, A. D. C. 



Joseph Bonefi being duly sworn, declares as follows, viz 
Question Have you lived in Pensacola since November 181^ 
Answer. Ihave. > ox '- 

lf t uf*T StW - n ' H r™* y° u ? ot > between *at period and the approach 
f the American forces under major general Jackson, repeatedly seen 
livers part.es of hostile Indians in this town or its neighborhood' 

1 1 ^ nswer ' J hav *' * ndeed between the s ^id month of November 
ad the time that the hostile party surrendered to major To™ « 

Dme^fewe" ^ " ^ S ° metimeS " ^^ ^s^rAl 

. 0m Q w U K Sti0D ' How or by whom were those Indians subsisted, and 

thTrwarTk^ y "^ """"J did ^ P r ^"- ammunition and 
mer warlike stores or weapons? 

P Answer. I have understood and do believe, that they were fed 
r the government here; as to ammunition, &c. I cannot state how 

*ut P t™n SUPP CS ' CXCept '* might have been from the stores 

' Question. Have you seen or been informed of any horses cat- 
& or other plunder having been brought in here by the Indiant 
J in the time above alluded to? Y lnaian * 

Answer. No. 

[Signed] JOSEPH BONIFAY. 

Pensacola. 

Both depositions sworn to and subscribed before me the 19th 
ptember, 1818. 

[Signed] M. M'KENNEY, Sen. 

J. P. in and for Pensacola W. Florida. 
A true copy. r, k. Call, A. D. C. 



,11 



102 [65] 

No. 37. /. 

Pierre Senac being solemnly §worn, declares as follows. _ 
That he has resided in the town of Pensacola constantly sine 
the month of November last past; that since that time, and until th 
arrival of major Your gs near this town, there were always conside* 
able numbers of hostile Indians in or near the town; that on many oj § 
casions within that period, he has seen from one hundred and fin, j 
to two hundred Indians here; that their forces were regularly prov 
sioned from the king's store here; that he has seen large quantities . 
sheet lead in the possession of the Indians, and considers it as greatly r . ,, 
sembling the lead aprons of cannon. That the government must ha^ (| 
furnished the lead in question, as there were no other means here 
getting such lead, and that the said lead was run off into balls, whi. 
this deponent saw. That on the day major Youngs attacked a par 
of Indians near this turn, there was then in town a cons' de rah 
number more who were set across the bay in boats provided tor th 
purpose by the Spanish governor. . .. ■ . . 

Deponent further states, that about the first of March last pa 

three considerable parties of hostile Indians, one party under the cor* 

mand of Leon Lesassier, another under the command of Arnaud t. 

mer, (both lieutenants, in his catholic majesty service) and the th! 

commanded by an Indian chief, retired out of this town, and m 

down towards .he neighborhood of Barancas, where provisions a 

ammunition were regularly supplied them by the Spanish govei 

ment; that the said Irdians were armed with guns which they had 

ceived from the English during the late war, and that they remain 

encamped within from one to three leagues of Barancas tor the sp; 

of nearly a month; thai these Indians, besides being armed with gi 

had also tomahawks which deponent understood and believes, w. 

furnished by John Innirarity; and that when the government cam 

the said parties to be thus assembled and equipped, they were c 

lected at Barancas, for the purpose as deponent conceives, to eh 

the vigilance of such individuals in Pensacola as would not concui 

such measures. _ _ T , 

Deponent further states, that since the said month ot JMovemi 

last past, he has seen brought in here by the Indians, a quantity 

cottonade and women's clothing brought or said to have been broulj I 

from the American frontier; that these things were publicly sold] ^ 

this town, notwithstanding it was notoriously known here, that tn 

articles and property had just been taken from those whom the 

dians had killed on the American frontier. 

Attest (Signed) PIERRE SENAC. 

(Signed) J. P. ROBINSON, Interpreter. Pensacoh 

Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 19th day of Septeml, 

1818 ' (Signed) MILL. KINIEY, Sen. , 

Justice of the Peace in and for the town of Pensacola, W. I 



[65] 



No. 37. g. 



103 



Jose S. Caro, a citizen of Pensacola, being sworn, states, that 
5 arly in the present year, 1818, a party of hostile Indians were in 
Pensacola, their numbers not known, but probably fifty; that on hear- 
L of the approach of the American army under general Jackson, 
he governor of Pensacola furnished those Indians with provisions 
dnd ammunition, and sent them in public boats across the bay; the 
Seponent saw the rations issued, and the party embarked. The de- 
ponent further states, that subsequent to this he saw three parties of 
Wile Indians furnished with provisions, the ostensible object of 
Which was to enable those Indians to march to the interior, and give 
themselves up, but it was very generally believed that those Indians 
W no such intention. The deponent saw those Indians set out and 
'states that they had their arms. 

(Signed) JOSEPH ESTEVEN CARO. 

Sworn and subscribed before me at Pensacola, 10th September, 

f 818 (Signed) H.YOUNG, 

Cap. Top. Engs. 



No. 37. h. 

Charles Baron, a residentof Pensacola, being sworn, states: 
That about the latter end of April, or beginning of May, 1818a party 
of Indians, amounting to near one hundred, were in Pensacola with a 
quantity of plunder, which, it was generally believed was taken at 
the time Stokes' family was murdered on the Escambia. Ihe In- 
dians sold this plunder openly to the inhabitants of Pensacola, and 
the deponent could not learn that the Spanish authorities at Pensa- 
cola made any inquiries respecting it. The deponent further states, 
that at several times in the present year, 1818, he saw parties of In- 
dians furnished with provisions and ammunition from the king s stores; 
but he does not recolloct the dates of these transactions. The deponent 
further states, that he has frequently heard Spanish officers at Pensa- 

r v 



104 [65] 

cola, justify the conduct of the Indians towards the United States! 
manifesting, in their conversation, a decided hostility towards th 
Americans. 

CARLOS BARON. 

Sworn before me at Pensacola, September 13th, 1818. 
H. Young, Capt. Top. Eng's. 



No. 38. 
General Jackson to the Secretary of War. 



\ 



Head Quarters, Division of the South, Fort Gads 
den, east bank of the Jippalachicola river 
formerly Negro Fort, March 25, 1818. 
SIR, 

At 7 o'clock P. M. on the 9th instant, I reached Fort Scott, with 
the brigade of Georgia militia, 900 bayonets strong, and some of the 
friendly Creeks, who had joined me on my march a few days before; 
where, finding but one quart of corn per man, and a few poor catile, 
which, added to the live pork I brought along, would give us tbreej 
days rations of meat, determined me at once to use this small sup-! 
ply to the best advantage. Accordingly, having been advised by 
colonel Gibson, quartermaster general, that he would sail from New 
Orleans on the 12th February, with the supplies; and being also ad- 
vised, that two sloops with provisions were in the bay, and an officer 
had been despatched from Fort Scott, in a large keel boat, to bring up 
a part of their lading; and deeming that the preservation of those 
supplies would be to preserve the army, and enable me to prosecute 
the campaign; I assumed the command on the morning of the 10th, 
ordered the live stock slaughtered and issued to the troops, with one 
quart of corn to each man, and the line of march to be taken up at 
12 meridian. Havingto cross the Flint river, and it being very high, I 
combined with some neglect in returning the boats during a very 
dark night, I was unable to move from the opposite bank until nine 
o'clock on the morning of the 11th, when I took up my line of march 
down the east bank of the river for this place, touching the river as 
often as practicable, looking for the provision boat which was ascend- 
ing, and which I was fortunate enough to meet on the 13th instant, 
when I ordered an extra ration to the troops, they not having receiv 



[65] 



105 



ed a full one of meal or flour since their arrival at Fort Early. On 
that day, my patroles captured three prisoners, and found some hid- 
den corn. On the morning of the 14th, I ordered the boat down the • 
river to this place, whilst I descended by land, and reached here 
without interruption on the morning of the 16th. The eligibility of 
this spot, as a depot, determined me, and I immediately directed my 
aid-de-camp, lieutenant Gadsden, of the engineer corps, to furnish a 
a plan for, and superintend the erection of a fortification. His talents 
and indefatigable zeal displayed in the execution of this order, in- 
duced me to name it Fort Gadsden, to which he is justly entitled. 

On my arrival here, 1 immediately despatched the boat to the 
bay for the balance of provisions known to be there, and to ascertain 
whether the flotilla, in charge of colonel Gibson, had reached there; 
and which returned on the 19th, with the unpleasing intelligence that 
nothing had been heard from the flotilla from New Orleans, since it 
was seen passing Fort Bowyer. I immediately put the troops on hall 
rations, and pushed the completion of the fort for the protection ol 
the provisions, in the event of their arrival, intending to march torth. 
with to the heart of the enemy, and endeavor to subsist upon him. 
In the mean time, I despatched major Fanning, of the coj-ps of artil- 
lery, to take another look into the bay; whose return, on the morning 
of the 23d, brought the information that colonel Gibson, with one 
jmnboat and three transports, and others in sight, were in the bay. 
On the same night, 1 received other information, that no more had 
arrived. I am, therefore, apprehensive that some ol the smaller ves- 
sels have been lost, as one gunboat went to pieces, and another when 
last spoken had one foot water in her hold. All of the vessels had 
been spoken after a gale which dispersed them. A north and north 
west wind has prevailed for six days, but has fortunately changed this 
morning. 1 am now awaiting a boat from the bay, (which is expect- 
ed to-day) to complete eight days rations for my troops, upon which 

I mean to march. T ^. , 

From information received from Pensacola and New Orleans, 
I have no doubt but that St. Marks is in possession of the Indians. 
The Rovernor of Pensacola informed captain Call, oi the 1st infantry, 
(now here) that the Indians had demanded arms ammunition, and 
provisions, or the possession of the garrison of St Marks of the com- 
mandant, and that he presumed possession would be given from in- 
ability to defend it. The Spanish government is bound by treaty to 
keep the Indians at peace with us; they have acknowledged their incom- 
petency to do ibis, and are consequently bound by *tf™ °l™™* 
Lid nations, to vield us all facilities to reduce them. Under th.s con- 
sideration, should I be able, I will take possession of the garrison as 
a depot for my supplies, should it be found in the h anas of *e Span- 
ish garrison, they having supplied the W.*=«W«Mhj^off 
our enemy, I will possess it tor the benefit of the United States as a 
necessary position for me to hold, to give peacr and security to this 
frontier, and put a final end to Indian warfare in the south. 
14 



106 [65] 

Finding it very difficult to supply fort Crawford, on the Conaco 
river, by land, I have ordered the supplies for that garrison, by water, 
and written to the governor of Pensacola, that if he interrupts them 
during the present Indian war, I shall view it as aiding our enemy, 
and treat it as an act of hostility, and stated to him the propriety, 
under existing circumstances, of his affording all facilities to put 
down their own, as well as our enemies, and that our governments, 
whilst negotiating, can take this subject under consideration; but in 
the mean time, our provisions must pass to fort Crawford, without 
interruption. 

In mine of the 14th February from Hartford, I informed you 
of the measures adopted to procure supplies, and in my last of the 
26th from fort Early.. I informed you of their situation. To those com- 
munications I beg leave to refer you. I have only to add, that I left 
fort Early for fort Scott, and subsisted my troops on ground pease, 
corn, and some pork, that I could occasionally procure from the In- 
dians, with some pork that I had on foot, the whole subsistence for 
man and horse, not costing five hundred dollars. Of all the supplies 
purchased for the relief of fort Scott, and the support of the Georgia 
militia, not one pound was received until 1 passed fort Scott I said 
in my last, that blame rested somewhere; the cause of those failures, 
will in due time, be a subject of investigation, and colonel Brtarly 
has been arrested on the application of general Gaines. 

By some strange fatality, unaccountable to me, the Tennessee 
volunteers have not yet joined me. They promptly left their homes, 
and through the inclement weather, reached fort Mitchell, where I 
had ordered them supplies, and where colonel Hayne, who led them, 
met my instructions to pass by fort Gaines, where he would get a 
supply of com, that would enable him to reach fort Scott; but the 
idea of starvation had stalked abroad; a panic appears to have spread 
itself every where, and he was told that they were starving at forts 
Gaines and Scott, and was induced to pass into Georgia for supplies. 
His men ard officers, as reported to me, were willing to risk the 
worst of c^isequenres, on what they had, to join me; however they 
have been marched from their supplies, to a countrv stripped of 
them, when every consideration should have induced his advisers 
to have urged h i a on to secure the supplies in the bay, and preserv- 
ed themselves and fort Scott from starvation. I have a hope that 
they will join me before I reach St. Maiks, or the towns; 

this would be desirable, as the troops ordered from New Orleans to 
protect the supplies, have not reached the bay, and leaving garrisons 
at forts Scott and Gadsdrn, weakens my force much, the whole ef- 
fective strength of the regular, being but 360 privates. 

In mine of the 26th ult. from fort Early, informed you that des- 
patches received by. general Gaines on the 19th ultimo from the com- 
manding officer at tort Scott, induced him to set out that night for 
fort Sec tt, io pr event its abandonment, &c. In his passage down the 
Flint river, he was shipwrecked, by which he lost his assistant, adju- 



[65] 



107 



eant general, major C. Wright and two soldiers (drowned.) The 
general reached me six days after, nearly exhausted with hunger 
and cold*, having lost his baggage and clothing, and bting compelled 
to wander in the wood four and a half days without any thing to sub- 
sist on, or any clothing except a pair of pantaloons. I am happy to 
have it in my power to say that he is now with me at the head of his 
brigade in good health. „ . . 

The great scarcity of subaltern officers in the 4th and 7th regi- 
ments of infantry, has induced me to appoint several young men 
(present) as second lieutenants in those regiments,who, from person- 
al knowledge and good recommendations, I have no doubt will prove 
themselves worthy, and trust the measure will meet the approbation 
of the President. A list of their names and the regiments to which 
they are attached, will be furnished the adjutant and inspector gen- 
eral by my adjutant general. 

I have the honor to be, 

Very respectfully, 

Your most obedient servant, 

ANDREW JACKSON, 

Maj Gen Comdg. 
The Bon. Jno. C. Colhoun, 
Department of War. 

P S Since writing the above I have the pleasure to inform you 
that the boat from the bay, has asnved with provisions, also colonel 
Gibson and Capt. M'Kever of the navy. I *hall move to-morrow, 
having made the necessary arrangements with captain M'Kever lor 
his cooperation in transporting my supplies around to the bay ot tot. 
Marks from which place I shall do myself the honor to communicate 
to you. Should our enemy attempt to escape with their supplies and 
booty to the small Islands, and from thence to carry on a P^datory 
warfare, the assistance of the navy will prevent his escape, Lren. Wm. 
M'Intosh, commanding the friendly Creeks, who had been ordered to 
reconnoitre the right bank of the Appalachicola, reported to me on 
the 19th instant, that he had captured, without the fire of a gun, one 
hundred and eighty women and children, and fifty three warriors or 
the Red Ground chief's party with their cattle and suppl.es; the 
chief and thirty warriors making their escape on horseback: ten .ot 
the warriors attempting their escape after they had surrendered.were 
killed bv the general. 

A..T 



108 [65] 



No. 39. 
General Jackson to the Secretary of War. 

Head Quarters, Division of the South, 

Fort Montgomery, June 2, 1818. 

SIR, 

The Seminole war having terminated, I deem it politic and ad- 
visable, to send to Washington John Blunt and his Indian comrades, 
who have acted as pilots to me during the late campaign. John 
Blunt is a Tuckabatchee Indian, has long been friendly to the United 
States, and in consequence of his opposition to the Red Stick party, 
during the Creek war, has drawn down upon himself their vengeance 
during the late contest. His settlement being in an exposed situa- 
tion on the Appalachicola river, he was early attacked by the Semi- 
noles, his property destroyed, and his family rifled from him. Alone 
he escaped, and fled to Fort Scott, where, joining the American 
standard, he has proven himself a most zealous friend and faithful 
pilot to this period. Injustice to him, I am bound to state, that to 
his correct knowledge of the country, and zealous attachment to the 
cause in which we were engaged, am I measurably indebted for the 
success of the present campaign. 

Mr. Hambly accompanies John Blunt. Mr. K. is a Spanish sub« 
ject by birth, and has long been a resident as a trader on the Appa 
lachicola river. In consequence of his attachment to the American 
cause, and his active exertions to check the hostile feelings of tho;>e 
Indians disposed to war against the United States, he drew down 
upon himself and family their vengeance. He was forcibly taken 
from his home, at an early period of the war; his property, goods, 
and negroes, taken from him, and he violently transported from Nu- 
kamky, Suwany, and St. Marks, until finally relieved by captain 
M'Kever, of the American navy. Since which period, he has been 
attached to my army, as Indian interpreter. You will find him an 
honest and faithful friend to our government, and valuable for the 
information which he can afford of Spanish policy and intrigue. He 
is well acquainted with all the transactions of foreign agents in this 
country, of their practices, &c. and how far encouraged by the Span- 
ish authorities, &c. 

With respect, your obedient servant, 

ANDREW JACKSON, 

Maj. Ge>). Ccmdg. 
■The Hon. J. C. Calhcun. Secrtiary of War. 



[65] 



109 



No. 40. 

Gen. Jackson to the Secretary of War. 

Head Quarters Div. South, 
Camp near St. Marks, 8th April, 1818. 

SIR, 

I wrote you from Fort Gadsden, communicating the embar- 
rassments under which I had labored previous to my arrival at that 
post, and my determination, being then in a situation to commence 
active operations, to penetrate immediately into the centre of the 
Seminole towns. My army marched on the 26th ultimo, and on the 
1st of April was reinforced by the friendly Creek warriors undergen- 
eral M'Intosh, and a detachment of Tennessee volunteers command- 
ed by colonel Elliot. On the same day a mile and a half in advance 
of the Mekasukean villages, a small party of hostile Indians were 
discovered judiciously located on a point of land projecting into an 
extensive marshy pond; the position designated, as since understood, 
for the concentrating of the Negro and Indian forces to give us bat- 
tle. They maintained for a short period a spirited attack from my 
advanced spy companies, but fled and dispersed in every direction 
upon comkig in contact with my flank columns and discovering a 
movement to encircle them. The pursuit was continued through the 
Mekasukean towns, until night compelled me to encamp my army. 
The next day detachments were sent out in every direction to recon- 
noitre the country, secure all supplies found, and reduce to ashes the 
villages. This duty was executed to my satisfaction: nearly three 
hundred houses were consumed, and the greatest abundance of corn, 
cattle, &c. brought in. Every indication of hostile spirit was found 
in the habitations of the chiefs; in the council houses of Kenha- 
gee's town, the king of the Mekasukians, more than fifty fresh scalps 
were found; and in the centre of the public square, the old Red 
Stick's standard, a red pole, was erected crowned with scalps, recog- 
nized by the hair as torn from the heads of the unfortunate compan- 
ions of Scott. 

As I had reason to believe that a portion of the hostile Indians 
had fled to St. Marks, I directed my march towards that fortress. As 
advised I found that the Indians and Negroes combined had demand- 
ed the surrender of that work: the Spanish garrison was too weak 
to defend it, and there were circumstances reported, producing 
a strong conviction in my mind, that if not instigated by the Spanish 
authorities, the Indians had received the means of carrying on the 






110 [65] 



No. 41. 

General Jackson to F. C. Luengo, 

Head Quarters, Division of the South, 

Before St. Marks, 6th April, 181 S. 
SIR, 

To chastise a savage foe, who, combined with a lawless band of 

negro brigands, have for some time past, been carrying on a cruel 

and unprovoked war against the citizens q1 the United States, has 



war from that quarter. Foreign agents, who have been long prac- j 
tising their intrigues and villanies in this country had free access into 
the camp, St. Marks was necessary as a depot to ensure success to 
my operations, These considerations determined me to occupy it 
with an American force: an inventory of the Spanish property, mu- 
nitions of war, &c. has been taken and receipted for, and the com- 
mandant and garrison furnished with transportation to Pensacola* 
My correspondence with the Spanish commandant, the evidences un- 
der which I acted, and a detailed account of my operations, will be fur- 
nished you as early as practicable. Success depends upon the rapidity 
of my movements, and tomorrow, I shall march tor the Sewaney riv- 
er} the destroying the establishments on which, will in mv opinion put 
a final close to this savage war. Captain M«K< ver of the navy cruis- 
ing at my request on this coast has been fortunate enough in securing 
Frarcis or Hiiiis. Hajo, the great prophet, and Ilomattlemico an j 
old Red Stick. They vished his vessels under an impression they 
were English, from whom as they stated supplies of munitions of 
war, &c. under late promises were expected. Arbuthnott,a Scotch- 
man, and suspected as one of the instigators of this savage war, was 
found in St. Mark's. He is in confinement until evidences of hisguilt 
can be collected. 

With respect, 

Your most obedient servant, 

ANDREW JACKSON, 

Major General commanding. 
The Hon. J. C. Calhoun, 
Secretary of war. 



[65] 



HI 



compelled the President to direct me to march mv army into Flori- 
da. I have penetrated to the Mickasuky towns, and reduced them to 
ashes. 

In these towns I found many indications of a hostile spirit. On 
a red pole, in the centre of the council houses of Kenhagee's town, 
more than fifty fresh scalps of all ages, from the infant to the aged 
matron, were found suspended. 

In addition to this, upwards of three hundred old scalps were 
found in the dwellings of the different chiefs settled on the Mick- 
asuky pond. Those barbarians, who escaped death, have fled. 
From information communicated by the governor of Pensacola, 
to two of my captains, Gordon and Call, I was induced to believe 
that they had fled to St. Marks for protection. The governor 
stated that the Indians and negroes had demanded of you large 
supplies of munitions of war, with a threat, in the event of a refusal, 
of taking possession of your fortress. He further expressed an ap- 
prehension, that from your defenceless state, they were already in 
possession of St. Marks. The wife of Chenubby,-a noted chief, now 
a prisoner in my camp, informed me, that the hostile Indians and 
negroes, obtained their supply of ammunition from St. Marks. 

To prevent the recurrence of so gross a violation of neutrality, 
and to exclude our savage enemies from so strong a hold at St. 
Marks, I deemed it expedient to garrison that fortress with Ameri- 
can troops, until the close of the present war. This measure is justi- 
fiable on the immutable principle of self defence, and cannot but be 
satisfactory, under existing circumstances, to his catholic majesty, 
the king ot Spain. Under existing treaties between our two govern- 
ments, the king of Spain is bound to preserve in peace, with the citi- 
zens of the United States, not only his own subjects, but all Indian 
tribes residing within his territory. When called upon to fulfill that 
part of the treaty, in relation to a savage tribe, who have long de- 
predated, with impunity, on the American frontier, incompetency is 
alleged, with an acknowledgement, that the same tribe have acted in 
open hostility to the laws, and invaded the rights of his catholic ma- 
jesty. As a mutual enemy, therefore, it is expected that every facil- 
ity will be afforded by the agents of the king of Spain, to chastise 
these lawless, and inhuman savages. In this light is the possession 
of St. Marks, by the American forces, to be viewed. 

I come notas the enemy, but as the friend of Spain. Spanish rights 
and property will be respected. The property and rights of Spanish 
subjects will be guaranteed them. An inventory of all public property 3 
munitions of war, he. shall be made out, and certified by an officer, 
appointed by each of us, and a receipt given for the same, to be ac- 
counted for to his catholic majesty, by the United States. The sub- 
ject of my possession of the garrison of St. Marks, will be referred to 
our respective governments for amicable adjustment. Some armed 
vessels of the United States, are in the bay of St. Marks, with whom 
I wish to communicate. You will, I trust, furnish me with a small 
vessel to convey a letter, as well as some sick and wounded, that are 



112 [65j 

with me. As our mutual savage enemies are concentrating their 
forces, near or on the Suwany, an early and prompt answer is re- 
quested to this letter, with an English translation, as neither myself, 
or staff, are acquainted with the Spanish. 

This will be handed you by aid-de-camp lieutenant James Gads- 
den, by whom an answer is expected. 

I have, &c. 

ANDREW JACKSON, 

Maj. Gen. Commanding, 
The commanding Officer at St. Marks. 



"So. 42. 

(Translation.) 

/**. C. Luengo to General Jacks-jti, 

St. Maths of Jipalache, 7th April ISIS, 

Most Excellent Sir, 

Being made to understand., although with the greatest difficulty, 
die contents of the letter with which your excellency honored me 
yesterday evening, delivered to me by your aid-decamp, James 
Gadsden, I will declare to your excellency the satisfaction the 
knowledge of your expedition against Mickasukey, has afforded me. 
That such would be the event could not be doubted, on considering 
the superior talents and skillful conduct oi your excellency, and to 
these must be attributed the success, on which I tender you my most 
cordial congratulations. 

My chief, the governor of Fensacola, had, in truth, reason to 
mention to your captains Gordon and Call, what your excellency 
states to me, and to entertain fears for the fate of this fort, menaced 
by Indians and negroes, for some months past, and particularly, since 
they have been disappointed in their expectations of obtaining 
powder and ball, which they have so repeatedly solicited, and to 
which they thought themselves entitled, from the practice, which 
existed, of supplying them annually therewith. This proves how en- 
tirely unfounded is the assertion of the wife of the chief Chenubbee, 



[65] 



113- 



that the Indians have been supplied with munitions in this fort, since. 
I was advised, and I determined to maintain the most perfect neutral- 
ity. No one can better remove from your excellency's mind any un- 
favorable impressions, you may have formed on this subject, than the 
bearer William Ilambly, as he has at various times interpreted to me 
the solicitations of the several Indian chiefs, in my neighborhood, 
and he can also inform you of the advice I always gave them to 
avoid the destruction which has overtaken them, and which I fore- 
saw from the beginning. 

This being realized, and there bwng now no motive to fear any 
insult to the fort from these barbarians and the negroes, I beg per., 
mission of your excellency to call your attention to the difficulty I 
should involve myself in with my government, if I were presently to 
assent to what your excellency proposes to me, to garrison this fort 
with the troops of the United States, without first receiving its or- 
ders. Such I will solicit immediately an opportunity offers, and I 
do not for a moment doubt that they will be given to me; so zealous 
is my government to comply with the stipulations between her and 
the United States. In the interim, I hope your excellency will desist 
from your intention, and be firmly persuaded of the good faith and 
harmony which will reign between this garrison, and whatever troops 
you may think fit to leave in this vicinity, who may assist me in the 
defence of this fort, on any unforeseen event. 

The sick your excellency sent in are lodged in the royal hospital, 
and 1 have afforded them every aid which circumstances admit. I 
hope your excellency will give me other opportunities of evincing the 
desire I have to satisfy you. I trust your excellency will pardon my 
not answering you as soon as requested, for reasons which have been 
given you by your aidde camp. I do not accompany this with an 
English translation, as your excellency desires, because there is no 
one in the fort capable thereof; but the beforenamed fm. Hambly 
proposes to translate it to your excellency in the best manner he can. 

May our Lord preserve your excellency many years, such is my 
prayer. 

Most excellent sir,! kiss your excellency's hands. 

Your most devoted and obedient servant, 

FRANCISCO CASO LUENGO. 

Tte most excellent Andrew Jackson, 

General in Chufof the troops of the ■ 
United States, before St. Marks. 
15 



U|* [65] 

No. 43. a. 

General Jackson to F. C. Luengo. 

Headquarters, Division of the South, 
gl £ &""/> »wr fife. JWar^. 7th April. 1818. 

I refer you to my communication of yesterday, for the mo- 
tives which have compelled me to occupy the fort of St. Marks. I 
again repeat, that I have entered the territory of Spain, as a friend to 
chastisea mutual enemy of both nations and whom his catholic ma i. 
esty was bound under the most sacred of treaties, to have punished 
himself. Peculiar circumstances, however, have prevented, and it 
w* therefore expected that every facility would have been men to 
the American arms, to have ensured success to their operations 
The occupation of St. Marks is essential to the accomplishment of Tv 
campaign ar ,d is peculiarly so at this period, when evidence ib 
derived from every source, of the designs of the nenroes and In 
dians agaiD t th fortress . Th are n S ow concentrating wTth the" 
mention of taking possession of St. Marks the momentary army 
moves from its vicinity; the dislodging them from which, will cos^ 
me more American blood, than I am disposed should be shed Sue 
cess to my operations requires despatch; you will excuse me', there* 
fore in refusing your request, that a suspension should be granted 

that S* EE H ^^ *T >T Ur g" V ~t, and in if sist g 

Mafor F S ' be ? mi «^iatel y occupied by American troops 5 

Major banning my inspector general and lieut. Simmons of the 

Ordnance Department, are appointed to act with one or Uvo officers 

nominated on your part, to take an inventory of, and inspect a lnuh 

he property in the fort of St. Marks, for which recefp TwTl be niven 

in the name of the American government] P 8 " 

Any disposition which you would wish made with the nrivate 

property of yourself, officers, and soldiers, or any other arranXents 

ANDREW JACKSON, 

ton Francisco Caso Luengo, * % '° r **' C ° mm ^ 

Commanding fort Marks, 



No. 43. b. 
General Jackson to F. C. Luengo. 

Head quarters, Division South, 
gIR > Cam P ns "r St. Marks, 7th April, 1818. 

occupancy o7forrsrML°Uh Pr0teSt a 8 ainst m X Proceedings. The 
cupancy of fort St. Marks by my troops, previous to your assisting 



[65] 



115 



to the measure, became necessary from the difficulties thrown in the 
way of an amicable adjustment, notwithstanding my assurances that 
every arrangement should be made to your satisfaction and express- 
ing a wish that my movements against our common enemy should not 
be retarded by a tedious negotiation. I again repeat what has been 
reiterated to you through my aid-de camp lieut. Gadsden, that your 
personal rights and private property shall be respected, that your sit- 
uation shall be made as comfortable as practicable while compelled 
to remain in fort St. Marks, and that transports shall be furnished as 
soon as they can be obtained to convey yourself, family, and com- 
mand to Pensacola. 

I daily expect some vessels from the bay of Appalachicola: as 
soon as they arrive, the most suitable shall be selected for said pur- 
pose. 

ANDREW JACKSON, 

Major den. Commanding. 
Don Francisco Caso Luengo y 

Governor of St. Murk*. 



No. 44. 

P\ C. Lucngo to General Jackson* 

[Translated copy.] 

Jlpulache, fth April, 1818. 
Most Excellent Sir, 

I should insist on what I stated to your excellency in my letter 
of this morning, as to the necessity of awaiting orders from the go- 
vernor of Pensacola, for the delivery of the fort under my command, 
were I not, in addition to what your excellency says in your answer, 
threatened by your aid de-camp, and the other officers appointed to 
negotiate on the subject, and had not so large a body of troops entered, 
without awaiting my permission, and taken possession of all the stores 
and posts, lowering the Spanish flag, and hofsting the American. 
So manifest a violation of the territory of his catholic majesty, obliges 
me to complain of it, and to protest against it, and I accordingly do 
protest against it, and beg of your excellency to provide, as speedily 
as possible, the vessels necessarv to transport me to I'ensacola, to. 



116 [65] 

gefher with the troops, and those persons who are in the royal em- 
ploy; and also, to give orders, that, in the interim, the private pro- 
perty and effects of every Spanish individual here be respected. With 
respect to the public property cf his catholic majesty, I have nomi- 
nated the subaltern of the detachment, and commissary of the fort, 
to make, with three officers whom you name to me, an inventory 
thereof. 

I repeat to your excellency my respects, and prayers to God to 
preserve your life many years. 

Most excellent sir, I kiss your excellency's hands. 

Your most obedient and devoted servant, 

FRANCISCO CASO Y LUENGO, 

The molt excellent Andrew Jackson, 

General of the troops of the United States, 
before St. Mams. 



No. 4'5. 
U\ IJambly y s Certificate^ 24th July, 1 8 1 J*. 

I do hereby certify, that during my long residence on the river 
Apalachicola, my knowledge of the Indian language, and my inti- 
mate acquaintance with the different chiefs, gave me many opportu- 
nities of knowing through them the advice given them, from time to 
time, by the governors of West Florida, hostile to the United States. 
In the year 1812 or 1813, I saw a letter from the governor of Pensa- 
cola to the late chief of the Seminoles, Thomas Ferryman, advising 
him to collect his forces and join his upper' town brethren, whom he 
said, had come to a determination to rise in arms and shake off the 
merican yoke; he would supply their arms and ammunition; and 
he said he was sure that in less than a month, their fathers and protectors 
the Spaniards would have a sufficient army in the field to aid and protect 
them. Not long after I saw this letter, a large party of Indians went 
down toPensacola, where they received a large supply of ammunition, 
and some arms. It was but shortly after this, when they attacked and 
destroyed the garrison of fort Mims; this was the commencement of 
trie first Indian war; on the 13th of December last, when on my plan- 



[6&] 



.117 



tation on the Apalachicola, I was made a prisoner of by a party of Se» 
minole Indians, and was taken up to the Ocheehee Bluffs, in company 
with Mr- Doyle, who was made a prisoner of with me; they kept us 
here three days, during which time they were busily engaged with 
some transports which were then ascending the river to fort Scott; 
from thence they took us to the Mekasukee, where the Indians in- 
formed me that they had been told by the commandant of St. Marks, 
that war was declared between Spain and the United States. From 
this place we were carried to the Suwanee, when Kenhagee, princi- 
pal chief of the Seminoles, told me that we had been taken and rob- 
bed by order of Arbuthnott, and brought there to be tried by him; 
shortly after we reached this, Arbuthnott arrived from Providence, 
-when we were tried and sentenced by said Arbuthnott to be tortured-; 
this sentence was not put in execution by the friendly interference of 
Mr. Cook, clerk to Arbuthnott, and the negro chief Nero; we were 
then conducted back to the Mekasukee; then Kenhagee went down to 
the lort St. Marks, to consult the commandant if he would take us 
as prisoners to keep at his order; they held a council among the 
neighboring chiefs, and on the fifth day he returned and ordered us 
to be conducted duwn, next morning; we arrived at St. Marks, on 
the 12th of February* at night; the Spanish officers received us kind- 
ly, but the commandant did not forget to remind us that we wtw- 
still prisoners, a. id marked out that night the limits of our prison, he 
rigidly kepc during the time of our stay. Next morning, the first 
thing that presented itself to my view, was my saddle-horse, which 
had been taken from me by the Indians; he was in the possession of 
the commissary. I mentioned it to the commandant, but he said that 
he bought him of an Indian, and he could do nothing in it. A few days 
after, in the course of conversation, I mentioned it to the Spanish 
doctor; he assured me that two-thirds of the property taken from us 
by the Indians, had been bought by them and others in the fort. The 
plundered property from Georgia was every day briskly bought by the 
commandant and others I know one instance of an Indian making 
an engagement with the commandant for catile that he was going then 
to plunder, and in 14 or 15 days brought them in and sold them. On 
our first arrival at St. Maiks, we had by help of a friendly Indian, 
conveyed intelligence to our friends in Pensacola of our situation; and 
they sent us on a small vessel to effect our escape; at her arrival, the 
commandant said to us that he had no objection to our getting out of 
the power of the Indians but that he should first demand a written 
obligation that we should never return to that country, nor hold no 
communication, direct or indirectly, with the U. S. government, or 
any of her officers; this being settled, we left St. Marks, on the night 
of the 28th March, and joined captain M'Keever in his gun boats, 
in the bay of Apalachicola; on the 30th returned with h-m to St. 
Marks, where we found general Jackson, on the 6th of April. Given 
■ader nty ha ;d the 24th July. 

[Signed] WILLIAM HAMBLY. 



118 [65] 

No. 46. a. 

W. Hambly andE. Doyle to General Jackson. 

Fort Gadsden, 2d May, 1818. 

SIR, 

We beg leave to submit \o you the following facts: 
On the 13th December, 1817, we were violently torn from ourfi 
settlement, on the Apaiachicola river, by a number of Indians, head 
ed by Chenubby, a chief qf the Fowl Town tribe, carried to Micka 
suky, and delivered to Kenagee, King of the Mecasukians, Kenagee 
carried us to the Negro Towns, on the Sewaney, and thence to thei! 
Spanish fort St. Marks, to the commandant of which, he d^ivered? 
us as prisoners of war, captured under the orders of a Mr. Arbuth 
nott, reported to us a British agent. At St. Marks, we were treated 
as prisoners, and not permitted to wander beyond the walls of the ; 
garrison. While at that post, the ingress and egress of Indians, hos- 
tile to the United States, was unrestrained, and several councils were 
held, at one of which, Kenagee, king of the Mickasukians, Francis x 
or Hillis Hajo, Hamathlemico, the chief of the Autesses, and the 
chief of Kolemies, all of the old Red Stick party, and Jack Mealy, chief 
of the Ochewas, were present; when it was reported, that these chiefs 
and their warriors, were entering fort St. Marks, for the purpose of 
holding a council, Hambly represented to the commandant, the im- 
propriety of permitting such proceedings within the walls of a Spanish 
fortress, the officer of which was bound to preserve, and enforce the 
treaties existing between the king of Spain and the United States; he 
replied to Hambly with some degree of warmth, observing that it 
was not in his power to prevent it. On the Indians cording into the i 
fort, at their request, we were confined. The council was held in 
the commandant's quarters. He, the commandant, was present; but 
strictly forbade the intrusion of any of the officers of the garrison. 
The Indians were in the habit of driving to fort St Marks, and dis- 
posing of cattle to the commandant and other Spanish officers. While " 
at that post, three or four droves were brought in, acknowledged by 
the Indians, to have been stolen from the citizens of the United 
States, and purchased by the Spanish officers. We were present at 
most of these contracts, and Hambly often referred to. as an interpre- 
ter between the purchaser and seller. Chenubby, a Fowl Town In- 
dian, once applied to Hambly to mention to the commandant, that he 
was about visiting the frontiers of Georgia, on a plundering expedi- 
tion, and wished to know whether he would purchase the cattle brought 
in. A contract was entered into, and Chenubby, some lime after, j 
brought in, and disposed of eleven head of cattle, to the Spanish com- 
mandant of fort St. Marks. These same cattle were those purchas- 
ed bv you, from the commandant, as his private propertv. 

(Signed) WILLIAM HAMBLY, 

EDWARD DOYLE. 



[65] 



lit 



No. 46. b. 

J. Gadsden to General Jackson. 

Fort Gadsden, May 3d, 1818. 
SIR, 

In conversation with the commandant of fort St. Marks, on the 
subject of having that work occupied by an American garrison, I had 

i occasion to notice the aid and comfort, that the hostile party of In- 
dians had received, as reported from him. That they had free access 
within the walls of his fort, and that it was well known, no small 
supplies of ammunition had been received from that quarter. In re- 
ply, he stated that his conduct had been governed by policy; the de- 
fenceless state of his work, and the weakness of his garrison, com- 

| pelled him to conciliate the friendship of the Indians, to supply their 
wants, to grant what he had not the power to deny, and to throw 
open with apparent willingness, the gates of his fortress, lest they 
should be forced by violence; that he had been repeatedly threaten. 

: ed by Indians and negroes, and that his security depended upon ex- 
hibiting an external friendship. After fort St. Marks was occupied 

i by the American troops, a black man and Spanish soldier, was reported 

t to me, as having been arrested, clad in American uniform, recog. 

j nized as part of the clothing of the 4th and 7th regiments, captured 

1 in the boat commanded by lieutenant Scott, in ascending the Apa* 

i lachicola river. 

In explanation the Spanish commandant observed, that his 
soldiers, and the Seminole Indians, were in the habit of trading with 
each other, and that this negro, with others of his garrison, had re- 

i ceived his permission to purchase some clothing, reported to have 
been brought in by the Indians. 

Respectfully your obedient servant, 

(Signed) JAMES GADSDEN, 

Aid-decamp. 
Major General A. Jackson, 
Commanding Southern Division U. S. Army. 



No. 46. c. 

Majo{' Twiggs to General Jackson. 

Fort Gadsden, 3d May, 1818. 
SIR, 

After the occupancy of Fort St. Marks with American troops, 
an the 7th April last, it became my duty to take charge of some goods 
found in one of the public stores. 



h 



teO [65] 

These goods were painted out by the Spanish commandant, who, 
through Mr. {lambly as interpreter, separated several of the articles 
claimed as his own private property, and designated others as the 
property of Francis, orllillis Hajo, and Arbuthnott, a British agent, 
or trader. An ioventory of these were taken, and deposited with the 
American officer left in command of Fort St. Marks. 

« With respect, &c. 

(Signed) D. E. TWIGGS, 

Brevet Major 7th Infantry. 

I certify, that I acted as interpreter in the transaction above al- 
luded to, and that two separate parcels of goods were designated by 
the Spanish commandant of St. Marks, as belonging to Ilillis Hajo, 
and ArbuthnottA 

(Signed) AVM. HAMBI4Y, 



No. i6. d. 
J. It. Brooks and P. Cone to General Jackson. 

We, the undersigned, do hereby certify, that at the capture of 
Fort St. Marks, East Florida, by major general A. Jackson, on the 
7th April, 1818, there were some cattle purchased on account of the 
United States, and turned over to us, which we are of an opinion had 
been driven from the frontiers of Georgia; (a part of them at leastj) 
and we were strengthened in our opinion, by a number of officers and 
men from Georgia, offering to swear to a number of them, as the pro- 
perty of their neighbors and friends. 

Given under our hapds at Fort Gadsden, 
this 3d May, 1818. 

(Signed) JACOB R. BROOKS, 

Acting contractor's agent U. S : , army. 
TETER CONE, 

Assistant Commissary, 



[65] 



121 



No. 4-6. e. 

A. F. Fraser and J). F. Sullivan to General Jackson. 

We, the undersigned, officers and men of the Georgia militia, in 
the service of the United States, do hereby certify, that we were at 
fort St. Marks, East Florida, at the time of its capture by major ge- 
neral Andrew Jackson, on the 7th April, 1818, and saw some cattle 
that were purchased on account of the United States, from the Span- 
ish authorities, which we were ready to swear to, as the property of 
our friends and neighbors in Georgia. 

Given under our hands at Fort Gadsden, this 3d May, 1818. 

[Signed-] ANDREW F. FRASER, Captain. 

DANIEL F. SULLIVAN, G. M. 8. 



No. 47. a. 

A. Arbicthnott to Lieut. Col. Kicholls. 

Nassau, JT. P. August 26th 9 1817. 

SIR, 

I am especially authorized to address you, by the chiefs of the 
Creek nation, whose names I affix to the present. _ 

Thev desire it to be made known, that they have implicitly lol- 
lowed our advice, in living friendly with the Americans, who were 
their neighbors, and nowise attempted to molest them, though they 
have seen the Americans encroach on their territory, burning their 
towns, and making fields where their houses stood; rather than make 
resistance, they have retired lower on the peninsula. Ine town or 
Ecan Halloway,on the Chattahouche, where Otos Mico was chief, 
is the instance of the encroachments of the Americans. This town 
is situated under the guns of fort Gaines, and Mico was des.red to 
submit to the Americans, or his town would be blown to atoms; rather 
than do this, he retired, is now living in the lower nation, and his 
fields, where the town stood, are ploughed up by the Americans. 

16 



122 



[6 5 J 



They complain of the English government neglecting them, after hav- 

ng drawn them into a war with America; that the promise made 

the hT ? Pe ° Ple t0 rCSlde am °"S them > has not been kept; and 

watch ove?r- S ° me PerS °? ° r PCrSOnS t0 res,de in th e n«?on, t $ 
watch over their interests, they will soon be driven to the extremitv 
o the peninsula. You left Mr. Hambly, to watch over the in ei 
of the Creek nation, but you had hardly left the nation, when he turn 

etrrNo Z JT. ^ * ™ ^ *" Pa " ° f lhe A-ncans^s 
letter |_J\ o. 47 £.] to me, of wh,ch I annex you a copy, will show you 

what lengths he would go,if he had the means. It isHambly andDovTe 

who gave the Indians all the trouble they experience; th/y send their' 

Co ,T« le8a 7TC tb t L A OWer Creeks > «nd make them'believe the 
Coubittes, aided by the Americans, are coming down on them- thev 

them^th C h OU , bltteS ' and r ?° rt th£ L ° Wer ™«» -arming agains" 
them; thus, both are put in fear, and their fields are neglected and 
hunting ,s not thought of. I have endeavored to do away this' fear 
by writing to the chiefs of Coubitta town, that they ougS to hie on 
friendly terms with their brethren of the lower nation, whose w sh it 
was to be on good terms with them, andnot to listen to any bad talk 
but to chase those that give them from among them. My letter waV 
FtoZrmX * r f er / av6rab ;>'' «"l * hope the talk that wa sent 

Hkllldio"' l JUne ' WlU h«l che difference, between them. 

liidlis Adjo arrived in my schooner at Okabokue sound, last 
June and was well received by all he chiefs, and others, who ame 
to welcome him home. In consequence of his arrival/a talk wal 
he d, the substance of which I put on paper for them, and it w s nt 
With a pipe or peace, to the other nations. 

Hidhs Adjo wished to return to Nassau with me, but I prevailed 
on him to stay with the nation, and keep them ail at peare. P 

for ill? Ti t0 mUrn HidUs Aci -' io ' s warmesi acknowledgment 
■Sut ^ , handsome man - r ^ which you treated him in England 
and he begs his prayers may be laid at the foot of hi, royal hi jhness 
Aeprmce regent. I left him, and ail his family well, oi the X of 

Old Cappachimicb, desired me to send vou his best resoects ™H 
requests you will send him out some people to live a! o 'cXm and 
ail the land they took from Forbes shall be theirs; a lv!' t 
must have an agent among them, to see that the Americans adh^e^ 
the treaty, and permit them to live unmolested on their own land 
lhj. agent should be authorized by his majesty's government o he 
will not be attended to by the Americans. 

In the Gazette of Georgia, the Americans report the Seminole 
Ind.au, are continually committing murders on tLir bonders d 

rrh e S i r U A rS, ° nS ^ ^ ' Ut *" '*>** »™ Publication, tending to 

n is £ A 1 merUaU f ve rnment against the poor Indians; for, dur- 

ing ic time I was in the nation, there was onlv on* American killed' 

4ft Y:,T\ tW ? °fe WaS b the aCt ° f dri ™8 & cattle belonging 
to Boleck, chiet of Sahawee; whereas, three men and a boy we.v 



[65] 



12* 



killed last June, by a party of cattle-stealers, while in their hunting 
camps; the boy they scalped; and one of Boleck's head men was kill- 
ed on St. John's river, in July. The backwoods Georgians, and those 
resident on the borders of the Indian nation, are continually entering 
it, and driving off cattle. They have, in some instances, made set- 
tlements, and particularly on the Choctohache river, where a consid- 
erable number have dexended. 

B) the treaty with Great Britain, the Americans were to give 
up to the Indians all the lands that may have been taken during the 
war, and place them on the same footing they were in 1811. It ap- 
pears that they have not done so; that Fort Gaines, on the Chatahou- 
chy river, and camp Crawford, on the Flint river, are both on Indian 
territory, that was not in possession of the Americans in 1811. 

They are fearful, that, before any aid is given them by the En- 
glish government, they will no longer be in possession of any territory. 
Ixvrote last January to his excellency the Hon. Charles Bagot, represent- 
ing the encroachments of the Americans, (as I was informed by the copy 
of a letter f-om the right Hon. Earl Bat hurst, handed me by his excel- 
lency governor Cameron, that his majesty'* s ambnssadors had recived 
orders to watch over the interests of the Indians, J Since my return here 
1 have received from Mr. Moodie, of Charleston, an extract of a let- 
ter from the honorable Charles Bagot, that the expense of postage 
is so considerable, any further* communications of the same nature, 
must be sent him by private hands; now. Sir, as no person goes direct 
from this to Washington, how am I to be able to comply with this de- 
sire? Thus he will be kept ignorant of the real situation of the poor 
Indians, and the encroachments made on their lands bv American 
settlers, while we mav be told by the American government, that no 
encroachments have been made, and that the forts they still hold, are 
necessary, to cheek the unruly Seminoles; thus, the persons appoint- 
ed to watch over the poor Indians, have no other means of informa- 
tion, than from the parties interested in their destruction, and from 
seeing from time to time, in the American states, accounts of cruel 
murders, &c. committed by the Indians on the frontier settlers of ', he 
United States, he apprehends the Indians merit all the Americans do 
to them. But let his majesty's government appoint an agent with 
lull powers; and to correspond with his majesty's ambassador, at 
Washington, and his eyes will then be open, as to the motives that 
influence American individuals, as well as the government, in vilify- 
ing the Indians. 

The powers given me, and the instructions, were to memorial 
his majesty's government as well as thegovernor general of Havana; 
and I fear that a memorial to the governor general would be of no 
use. Referring you to the enclosed, [No. 47. b.~\ 

I remain most respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 
[Signed] A. ARBUTHNOTT. 

To Lieut. Col. Nicholls, 



124 [65] 



No. 47. b. 

W. Humbly to A. Jlrbuthnott. 

Extract oj a letter, signed W. Humbly, received at Okolokut Sound, dated 

May, 1817. 
SIB, 

I am desired by the chiefs of the nation to request yoa will ex- 
tricate yourself from among a band of outlaws, among whom you now 
are, lor the arm of justice is lifted up against them, and it will, ere 
long, fall heavy upon them, you, and your property. They say they 
would have no objection to your settling any way, the west of Apala- 
chicola river; but where you now are, you are among a set of out- 
laws; they have lately committed twenty most cruel murders on wo- 
men and children, on the frontiers of the United States, and stolen 
100 horses, and they say it is by your desire. 

[Signed] W. HAMBLY, 

Spanish Bluff, May 10th, 1817. 



No. 47. c. 

Signatures of the Chiefs of the Creek nation, to a power given to A. 
Arbuthnott, dated the 17th June, 1817. 

Cappachimico, Inhimathluchy, 

Inhimathlo, Lahoe Himathlo, 

Charle Tustunaky, Homathle Micho, 

Otos Mico. Talmuches Hatcho, 

Ochacona Tustonaky, Hillisajo, 

Imathluche, Opoithlimico. 

Interpreter, PETER SHUGERT. 

Approved of by 

F. C. LUENGO, 

Commandant of St. Marks. 



[65] 125 

No. 48. 

Luengo to Arbuthnott. 

Apalachia, 25th December, 1817. 
Monsieur et Amy, 

Les affaires entre les sauvages et les Americains et ant devenu 
de quelque consequence, et nedoutant quel'ovage viendra fraper par 
icy, je cregne pour vos petites objets; en consequence, je croi il est 
de vottre intere de ne pas diferer un moment les retirer d'icy. Se 
serai content de vous voir tant pour avoir le plaissir de vous embras- 
ser, comme pour causser un peu sur les affaires politiques du jour, 
qu'il ne convienne dans les actueles circumstances les confie a la. 
plumme, et en attendant cette satisfaction. 

Suis avec ma pettite famille, 

Monsieur, vottre tres affec'tte serv. et amy, 

FRANCO CASO Y LUENGO. 

Monsieur A. Arbour knot t, 

JWg-V, Sawanna. 



iiir and Friend, 



(Translated copy.) 

Appalachicola, 25 th December, 1817. 



Affairs having assumed a serious aspect between the savages and. 
the Americans, and not doubting that the storm will pass this way, I 
entertain apprehensions for the safety of your little objects, and be- 
lieve it to be your interest, not to lose a moment in removing them 
from hence. 

I shall be happy to see you, that I may have the pleasure of em- 
bracing you, and an opportunity of conversing with you on the poli- 
tics of the day, which, under existing circumstances, it is improper to 
commit to paper. In the expectation of this pleasure, I am, with 
my little family, 

Sir, your very affectionate servant and friend, 

[Signed] * FRANCO CASO Y LUENGO, 



126 f65] 



No. 49. 

Minutes of the proceedings of a special court, organized agreeably to 

the following order, viz: 

Head Quarters, Division of the South, 
Adjt. gen's, office ', fort St. Marks, 

Jlpril26, 1818. 

GENERAL ORDER. 

The following detail will compose a special court, to convene 
at this post, at the hour of twelve, JVI. for the purpose of inves- 
tigating the charges exhibited against A. Arhuthnott, Robert Christy 
Armbrister, and such others, who are similarly situated, as may be 
brought before it. 

The court will record all the documents snd testimony in the 
several cases, and their opinion as to the guilt or innocence of th« 
prisoners, and what punishment (it any) should be inflicted. 

DETAIL. 

Major general E. P. GAINES, President. 

Member s. 

Colonel King, 4th infantry, 

Colonel Williamson, Tennessee volunteers, 

Lieut Col. Gibson, Tennessee volunteers, 

Major Muhlenberg, 4-th infantry, 

Major Montgomery, 7th infantry, 

Captain Vashon, 7th infantry, 

Colonel Dver, Tennessee volunteers, 

Lieut. Col. Lindsay, corps artillery, 

Lieut. Col. Elliott, Tennessee volunteers, 

Major Fanning, corps artillery, 

Major Minton, Georgia militia, 

Captain Crittenden, Kentucky volunteers. 

Lieutenant J. M. Glassel, 4th infantry, Recorder, 

An orderly will be detailed from Gen. Gaines' brigade, and the 
court will sit without regard to hours. 

By order of major general Jackson, 

(Signed) ROBERT BUTLER, 

Adjutant General. 



[65] 127 



Fort St. Marks, Jpril 26. 1818. 

The court convened, pursuant to the foregoing order, when, be- 
ing duly sworn in the presence ot the prisoner, and he being asked if 
he had any objections to any member thereof, and replying in the ne- 
gative, the following charges and specifications were read, viz: 

Charges vs. A. Arbuthnott, now in custody, and who says he is 
a British subject. 

Charge 1. Exciting and stirring up the Creek Indians to war 
against the United States and her citizens, he, A. Arbuthnott, beinga 
subject of Great Britain, with whom the United States are at peace. 

Specification. That the said A- Arbuthnott, between the months 
of May and July, or some time in June, 1817, wrote a letter to the 
Little Prince, exhorting and advising him not to comply with the 
treaty of fort Jackson, stating, that the citizens of the United State*, 
were infringing on the treaty of Ghent, as he believed, without 
the knowledge of the chief magistrate of the United States, and ad- 
vising the Upper and Lower Creeks to unite and be friendly, stating, 
that William Hambly was the cause ot their disputes; also, advising 
the Little Prince, to write to the Governor of New Providence, who 
would write to his royal highness, the Prince Regent, through whom 
the United States would be called to a compliance with the treaty oi 
Ghent, and advising them not to give up their lands, under the trea- 
ty of Fort Jackson, for that the American citizens would be compel- 
led to give up to them, all their lands, under the treaty of Ghent. 

Charge 2. Acting as a spy, and aiding, abetting, and comforting 
the enemy, supplying them with the means of war. 

Specification 1. In writing a letter from St. Marks, fort, dated 
April 2, 1818, to his son, John, at Suwany, (marked A) detailing the 
advance of the army, under general Jackson, stating their force, pro- 
bable movements and intentions, to be communicated to Bowlegs, 
the chief ot the Suwany towns, for his government. 

Specification 2. In writing the letters, (marked B) without date; 
and (C) with enclosures, January 27, 1818; and (D) called " a note of 
Indian talks; 1 ' and (111) without date, applying to the British govern- 
ment, through governor Cameron, for munitions of war and assist- 
i ance for our enemies; making false representations, and also, apply- 
ing to Mr. Bagot, British ambassador, for his interference, with a- 
statement on the back of one of the letters, of munitions of war, for 
the enemy. 

Charge 3. Exciting the Indians to murder and destroy William 
Hambly and Edmund Dovle, and causing their arrest, with a view to 
their condemnation to death, and the seizure of their property, on ac- 
count of their active and zealous exertions to maintain peace between 
Spain, the United States, and Indians, they being citiaens of the 
Spanish government. 



128 [65] 

Specification 1. In writing the letters (marked F) dated August 
26, 1817; (G) dated May 13, 1817; and (H) threatening them with 
death, alleging against them false and infamous charges, and using 
every means in his power to procure their arrest, all which writings 
and sayings, excited, and had a tendency to excite, the Indians and 
negroes to acts of hostility with the United States. 

By order of the gourt. 

J. M. GLASSELL, 

Recorder. 

To which charges and specifications, the prisoner pleaded not 

guilty. 

The prisoner having made application for counsel, it was grant- 
ed him, when the court proceeded to the examination of the evidence. 

John Winslett, a witness on the part of the prosecution, being 
duly sworn, stated, that some time before last July, the Little Prince 
received a letter, signed by a Mr. Arbuthnott advising the upper part, 
of the nation to unite with the lower chiefs in amity, and stating that the 
best mode for them to repossess themselves of their lands, would be, 
to write to him, (Arbuthnott) and he would send on their complaints to 
the governor of Providence, whence it would be forwarded to his 
Britannic majesty, and he would have the terms of the treaty of 
Ghent attended to; he moreover, stated his belief that the encroach- 
ments on the Indian lands, were unknown to the President of the 
United States. The witness also identified the signature of the letter 
of the prisoner to his son, (mailed A) referred to in the first spe- 
cification to the second charge, and heretofore noted as being the 
same with that sent to the Little Prince. 

The witness, on being turther interrogated, stated the language 
of the letter alluded to, to be, that the British government, on appli- 
cation, would cause to be restored to them their lands they held in 
1811, agreeably to the terms of the treaty of Ghent. 

Question by the Prisoner. Who is the Little Prince, or is he 
known by any other name? 

Answer. He is known by the name of Tustenukee Hopoie, and 
is the second chief of the nation. 

Question by the Prisoner. Where is the letter you allude to, or 
in whose possession? 

Answer. It was left in the possession of the little prince, when 

I last saw it. 

Question by the Prisoner. Has this Little Prince no other name 

than what you state? 

Answer- Not that I know of. 

Question by the Prisoner. Do you swear that the letter alluded 
to was addressed to the Little Prince? 

Answer. I do not. It was presented me by the Little Prince 
to read and interpret for him, which 1 did. 



[65;] 



129 



Question by the Prisoner. Are you certain that the letter stated 
that the chief magistrate of the United States could have had no 
knowledge of settlements made on Indian lands, or injuries commit- 
ted? 

Answer. The letter stated that to be the belief of the writer. 

John Lewis Phenix, a witness on the part of the prosecution, be- 
ing duly sworn, stated, with regard to the 1st specification of the 2d 
charge, that being at Suwany, in the town, about the 6th or 7th of 
April, he was awakened early in the morning by Mr. Armbrister's 
receiving, by the hands of a negro, who got it from an Indian, a let- 
ter from St. Marks, at that time stated by Armbrister to be from the 
prisoner. 

Question by the Prisoner. Did you see that letter, or hear ft 
read? 

Answer. I did see the paper, but did not hear it read. 

Question by the Prisoner. Did you state that the letter was re- 
ceived by an Indian express? 

Answer. So the black man that delivered it said. 

A question being raised by a member of the court as to their ju- 
risdiction on the 3d charge and its specification, the doors were clos- 
ed, and after mature deliberation, they decided that this court are 
incompetent to take cognizance of the offences alleged in that charge 
and specification. 

Peter B. Cook, a former clerk to the prisoner, and a witness on 
the part of the prosecution, being duly sworn, stated, that about De- 
cember or January last, the prisoner had a large quantity of powder 
and lead brought to Suwany in his vessel, which he sold to the Indians 
and negroes; that subsequent to that time, which he cannot recollect 
Armbrister brought for the prisoner in his (the prisoner's) vessel, 
nine kegs of powder, and a large quantity of lead, which was taken 
possession of by the negroes. The witness also identified the letters 
referred to in the foregoing charges and specifications marked A. 
B. C. D. E. F. G. and H., also, the power of attorney, No. i, grant- 
ed by the Indians to A. Arbuthnott, being the prisoner's hand- 
writing. 

Question by the court. Have you at any time within the last 
twelve months, heard any conversation between the prisoner and 
the chief called Bolegs, relating to the war betwen the United States 
and the Seminoies? 

Answer. I heard the prisoner tell Bolegs, that he had sent 
letters to the prince regent, and expected soon to have an answer. — 
Some time afterwards, some of the negroes doubted his carrying 
those letters, when the prisoner stated that he had, but the distance 
being great, it would take some time to receive an answer. 

By the court. State to the court, when, and where, you first 
saw the letter signed A. Arbuthnott, dated April 2, 1818, referred to 
in the first specification, and the second charge? 

Answer. About the 6th of April, a black man who said he ted 
17 



130 [65] 

received it from an Indian, gave it to Mr. Armbrister, whom I saw 
reading it. 

Question by the court. Do you know by what means that let- 
ter was conveyed to Suvvany? 

Answer. I understood by an Indian, who was sent from fort 
St. Marks. 

Question by the court. Who paid the Indian for carrying the 
letter, referred to in the last interrogator)? 

Answer. I do not know. 

Question by the court. What steps were taken by the negroes 
and Indians, on the receipt of the letter? 

Answer. They at first believed the bearer an enemy, and 
confined him, but learning the contrary began to prepare for the en- 
emy, and the removal of their families and effects across the river; 
the Indians lived on the opposite side. 

Question by the court. Did the Indians and negroes act togeth- 
er in the performance of military duty? 

Answer No. But they always said they would fight together. 

Question by the court. Did not Nero command the blacks, and 
did not Bowlegs crown Nero, and was not the latter under the imme- 
diate command of Bowlegs? 

Answer. Nero commanded the blacks, and was owned and com- 
manded by Bowlegs; but there were some negro captains who obeyed 
none but Nero. 

Question by the court. What vessel brought to Suwany the am- 
munition, which you said was sold by the prisoner to the Indians and 
negroes? 

Answer. The schooner Chance, now lying at the wharf; she is a 
fore -topsail vesssel, belonging to the prisoner. 

The witness also identified the manuscript of the prisoner, in a 
paper granting him full power to act in all cases for the Indians, num- 
bered 1; and also a letter without signature, to the governor of St. Au- 
gustine, numbered 2; further* a letter without date to Mr. Mitchell, 
Indian agent, numbered 3; and an unsigned petition of the chiefs of 
the Lower Creek nation, to governor Cameron, praying his aid in 
men and munitions of war, numbered 4< — all of which the witness 
stated to be in the hand writing of the prisoner. 

The court then adjourned, to meet to-morrow morning, at seven 
o'clock. 



Fort St. Marks, 27th April, 1818. 
The court convened pursuant to adjournment. Present, 

Major General E. P. GAINES, President. 

Members. 
Col. King, Lt. Col. Gibson, 

Col. Williamson. Major Muhlenberg, 



[650 13L 

Major Montgomery, Lieut. Col. Elliott, 

Capt. Vashon, Major Fanning, 

Col. Dyer, Major Minton, 

Lieut. Col. Lindsay, Captain Crittenden. 

Lieutenant J. M. Glassell, Recorder. 

When the further examination of the witness, Cook, took place, 
viz: 

Question by the prisoner. How long have you been acquainted 
with the settlement on the Sahwahnee? 

Answer. Between six and seven months. 

Question by the prisoner. For what term of years did you en- 
gage to live with the prisoner? 

Answer. For no stated period; I was taken by the year. 

Question . Were you not discharged by the prisoner, from his 
employ? 

Answer. He told me he had no further for me, after I had 
written the letters to Providence. 

Question, Where did you stay after you were discharged? 

Answer. I staid in a small house belonging to a boy, called St. 
John, under the protection of Nero. 

Question. What was th^ subject matter of the letters you wrote 
to Providence? 

Answer. After being refused by the prisoner a small venture 
to Providence, I wrote to my friends for the means to trade by myself. 

Question. Do you believe the prisoner had knowledge of the 
venture being on board the schooner? 

Answer. I do not believe he did; it was small, and in my trunk. 

Question. Do you know that Armbrister was the agent of the 
prisoner? 

Answer. I do not. 

Question. Do you think that the powder and lead shipped, 
would more than supply the Indians and negro hunters? 

Answer. I did not see the powder and lead myself, but was 
told by Bowlegs that he had a great quantity ; he had three kegs, keep- 
ing to fight with. 

Question. Did the Indians reside on the east side of the river? 

Answer. They did. 

Question. You were asked of the negroes and Indians, when 
the letter marked A was communicated, if they did not take up arms; 
had they received information of the defeat of the Indians at Micka 
suky, prior to this date? 

Answer. It was afterwards, I believe, that they received the in- 
formation. 

Question. Did not Bowlegs keep other powder than that got 
from the prisoner? 

Answer. He had some he got from the Bluff, which was nearly 
done; he said his hunters were always bothering him about powder. 



132 [65] 

Question. Did you state that, at tbe time Armbrister ascended 
the river, there was no other vessel at the mouth of the river? 

Answer. There was none other there; there was one had sailed. 

Question. There is a letter A, spoken of, how do you know 
that the son of the prisoner had that letter in his possession? 

Answer. I saw him with it, which he dropped; and a boy called 
John, picked up and gave it to me. 

Question. You stated that the Indians and negroes doubted 
the fidelity of the prisoner in sending letters to the prince regent; do 
you think that the prisoner would have been punished by them, had 
he not complied with their wishes? 

Answer. I do not know. 

Question. Do you believe that the prisoner was compelled to 
write the Indian communications? 

Answer. lie was not compelled. 

William Hambly, a witness on the part of the prosecution, being 
duly sworn, and commencing a statement of what he heard the chiefs 
say, and the prisoner objecting to hearsay evidence of that kind, the 
court was cleared, in order to take the question; when it was decided, 
that the prisoner's objection was not valid. The witness was there- 
fore re-called, and stated, that fifteen or twenty days after the priso- 
ner's arrival at Ochlochnee, the Seminole Indians began to steal horses 
from the United States' settlements, and commit murders on the 
Satilla river, which he was informed by them, was at the instigation 
of the prisoner. 

The chiefs of the little villages, in the witness's neighborhood, 
then desired him to write a few lines to the prisoner, stating those re- 
ports, and that he did not know that those Indians he was exciting, had 
long been outlawed, and caution h'ltn against such proceedings, or 
he might be involved in their ruin; this the witness did, when the 
prisoner wrote him a long and insulting letter, which was lost; up- 
braiding the witness, for calling those Indians outlaws, and accusing 
him of exciting the Indians to civil war. The witness was told by all 
chiefs and Indians, who had seen the prisoner, that he advised them 
to go to war with the United States, if they did not surrender them 
the lands which had been taken from them, and that the British go- 
vernment would support them in it. 

The Indians that took the witness, and a Mr. Doyle, pri- 
soners, which happened on the 13th December last, told them it 
was by the prisoner's order; and on their arrival at Mickasuky, (as 
prisoners) Kenhagee, and all his chiefs, told them, it was by the pri- 
soner's orders they were taken and robbed. On their arrival at Su- 
wany, they were told by the Indian and negro chiefs, who set in 
council over them, that the prisoner had advised he should be 
given up to five or six Choctaw Indians, who were saved from the 
negro fort, who would revenge themselves for the loss ot their friends 
at that place. On their return from Suwany, the chief Kenhagee, 
told them, that he had got the prisoner to write several letters for 



pS5] 13^5 

him; one to the governor of Providence; one to the British minister 
at Washington; one to the secretary of state in London; and one to 
the American agent for Indian affairs, protesting against the pro- 
ceeding of the commanding officer at fort Scott. While the witness 
was atSuwany, the Indian chiefs told him that the prisoner had arriv- 
ed at that place, with ten kegs of powder on board of his vessel, and 
while in fort St. Marks, sometime in March, Hillishajo, or Francis, 
brought an order from the prisoner to the commandant, for two kegs 
of powder, with other articles, which were in his possession. 

Question by the court. Were any murders or depredations 
committed on the white settlement by the Indians, previous to the 
prisoners arrival at Ocklochnee? 

Answer. None except one murder near fort Gaines, which was 
before or about the time of the prisoner's arrival. 

Question. How long have you resided among the Indians; state 
to the court whether you are acquainted with the Indian language, and 
how long since you learned it? 

Answer. I have resided among them 14ycdi-s, and have under* 
stood their language 12 years. 

Question. Do you believe the Seminoles would have commenc- 
ed the business oi murder and depredation on the white settlements, 
had it not been at the instigation of the prisoner, and a promise on 
his part of British protection? 

Answer. I do not believe they would, without they had been 
assured of British protection. 

Question by the court. What was the light in which the prison- 
er was viewed by the hostile Seminoles? Was it that of an authoriz- 
ed agent of the British government? 

Answer. The different chiefs always represented him to me as 
such. 

The witness recognized the letter marked G, and signed A. Ar- 
buthnott, as being a copy of the one alluded to in his testimony, as 
lost. 

Question by the President. Are you acquainted with the prison- 
er's hand writing? 

Answer. I have seen it, but cannot say I am acquainted with it. 

Question. Is that which you have just seen, and say is the copy 
of the one you lost, the prisoner's hand writing? 

Answer. It looks to be his hand writing; but I cannot say po- 
sitively. 

Question. Was the prisoner considered as the agent of the Se- 
minoles, at the time those murders were committed? 

Answer. I had not seen the prisoner at that time; the Indian 
chiefs told me that the prisoner had reported himself to them as an 
English agent. 

Question. Where did you understand the prisoner to be, when 
you were taken prisoner? 

Answer. The Indians told us that he had gone over to Provi* 



134 [65J 



\ 



dence, but was expected back by the time we should arrive at Su- 
wany. 

Question. Did you not request Kenhagee, to prevail upon the 
prisoner to give you a passage in his schooner to Providence? 

Answer. Yes; but was told that the prisoner refused it, stating 
that if we were forced upon him, he would blindfold us and make us 
walk overboard. 

Question. What were the reasons given by Kenhagee, for the ' 
prisoner's not granting your request? 

Answer. Kenhagee stated that the prisoner was fearful of 
meeting with an American vessel, when we should be taken out and 
he therebv lose his schooner. 

Edmund Doyle, a witness on the part of the prosecution, being 
duly sworn, was questioned as follows: 

Question by the Judge Advocate. Do you know any thing that 
would tend to substantiate the charges against the prisoner now be- 
fore you? 

Answer. I know nothing but from common report. 

William S. Fulton, an evidence on the part of the presecution, be- 
ing duly sworn, testified the copy of a letter from A. Arbuthnott, to 
general Mitchell, agent for Indian affairs, dated Suwany, 19th Janu- 
ary, 1818, and marked No. 6, as acknowledged by the prisoner, to be 
the same in substance, as one written by himself at that time; an ex- 
tract from that letter was then read to the court. 

Question by the President. Where did the prisoner acknowledge 
the letter just read, to be a copy of the one written by himself? 

Answer. In the encampment before this place, about the 6th or 
7ih instant. 

Question. Was not the acknowledgment made when he was a 
prisoner? 

Answer. It was. 

Question by the President. Did you hear a gentleman say to the 
prisoner, whilst in custody, that those who recommended the scalping 
knife and tomahawk, should feel their keenest edge? 

Answer. 1 d.l hear a gentleman say, that those who excited the 
Indians to the murder of the unoffending, should feel the keenest 
edge of the scalping knife; but as well as I recollect, that observation 
was not made until after the repeated acknowledgments of the pri- 
soner, of having written the letter. 

Question by the court. Was not the confession of the prisoner 
to this letter made voluntarily and without any constraint whatever? 

Answer. I conceive it was. 

The evidence on the part of the prosecution being closed, the 
prisoner requested as a witness, Robert C. Armbrister, as one of his 
witnesses, against whom criminal charges had been filed, and who 
was in custodv on account thereof; to which the judge advocate ob- 
jecting, the coart was cleared to take its sense — when it was decided 



[65J 135 

(hat Robert C. Armbrister, now in custody for similar offences with 
the prisoner, cannot be examined as evidence before the court. 

John Lewis Phenix, a previous witness, now on the part of the 
prisoner, being again sworn, was questioned as follows, viz: 

Question by the Prisoner. Was there any other vessel at the 
mouth of the Suwahnee river, when Armbrister seized your schooner? 

Answer. Yes. 

Question. What vessel was it? Was it not the vessel which Arm- 
brister came in? 

Answer. It was a sloop, and I understand Armbrister came in 
her. 

Question. Did Armbrister ever mention to you, who recom- 
mended him to seize the prisoner's schooner, or who assisted him in 
stimulating the negroes to do so? 

Answer. No. 1 understood he came on board of his own accord. 

Question by the Court. Have you, since you commanded the 
prisoner's vessel, ever brought anv arms to that part of the country? 

Answer- No. I brought a quantity of lead and ten kegs of pow- 
der in the last trip. 

John Winslett, a former witness on the part of the prosecution, 
being recalled on the behalf of the prisoner, was questioned as fol- 
lows, viz: 

Question by the Prisoner. Are you not of opinion that the letter 
which you say was written by the prisoner to the Little Prince, is now 
in the possession of the Little Prince? 

Answer. After reading it i returned it to him> and I believe it to 
be still in his possession, as Indians seldom destroy papers of that 
kind. 

The prisoner requesting some time to make up his defence; he 
was given until to-morrow evening, at 4 o'clock. 



Fort St, Marks, 28th of April, 1818, 4 o'clock, P. M. 

The recorder having read over the proceedings of the court with 
closed doors, the prisoner was recalled into court, and made the de- 
fence marked K, and attached to these proceedings. The doors were 
then closed, and after the most mature deliberation on the evidence 
adduced, the court find the prisoner, Alexander Arbuthnott, guilty of 
the first specification to the first charge, and guilty of the first charge; 



136 [65] 

guilty of the first and second specifications to the second charge, and i ( 
guilty of the second charge, leaving out the words " acting as a spy." 
They therefore do, on the most mature reflection, sentence the pri- 
soner, Alexander Arbuthnott, to be suspended by the neck, until he is 
dead, two-thirds of the court concurring therein. 

(Signed) EDMUND P. GAINES, 

Major General bij Brevet, 

President of the Court 

(Signed) J. M. GLASSEL, 

Recorder, 



A. 

From A. Arbuthnott to his son, John Arbuthnott. 

Fort St. Marks, 2d April, 1818, 

9 o'clock — Morning. 
DEAR JOHN, 

As I am ill able to write a long letter, it is necessary to be brief;', 
before my arrival here, the commandant had received an express 
from the governor of Pensacola, informing him of a large embarka- 
tion of troops, &c. under the immediate command of general Jack- 
son, and the boat that brought the despatch, reckoned eighteen sail of 
vessels off Appalachacola. By a deserter that was brought here by 
the Indians, the commandant was informed that 3000 men, under the 
orders of gen. Jackson; 1000 foot and 1600 horse, under gen. Gaines; 
500 under another general, were at Prospect Bluff, where they were 
rebuilding the burnt fort; that 1000 Indians of different nations, were 
at Spanish Bluff, building another fort, under the direction of Ameri- 
can officers; that so soon as these forts were built, they intended to 
march. They have commenced. Yesterday morning advice was 

received that they had appeared near and taken two of the sons 

of M'Queen, and an Indian; late in the afternoon, three schooner* 



[65] 



137 



jtame to anchor at the mouth of this river, and th*i9 morning the 
American flag is seen flying on the largest. 

I am blockaded here, no Indians will come with me; and I am 
now suffering from the fatigue of coming here alone. 

The main drift of the Americans is to destroy the black popula- 
tion of Sahwahnee. Tell my friend Boleck,that it is throwing away his 
people to attempt to resist such a powerful force as will be down on 
Sahwahnee, and as the troops advance by land, so will the vessels by 
sea. Endeavor to get all the goods over the river in a place of se- 
curity, as also the skins of all sorts; the corn must be left to its fate. 
So soon as the Sahwahnee is destroyed, I expect the Americans will 
be satisfied and retire; this is only my opinion, but I think it is con- 
formable to the demand made by general Gaines, of Kenhigee, 
some months since; in fact, do all you can, to save all you can; sav^e 
the books particularly. It is probable the commandant will receive 
some communication from the vessels to-day, when he will know 
mo: e certainly what are their motives in coming off the fort. 1 think 
it is only to shut up the passage to the Indians. Twenty canoes went 
down the river yesterday, and were forced to return. The road be- 
tween this and Mickasuky is said to be stopped. Hillisajo and Hi- 
mathlo Mi co were here late last night, to hear what vessels. They 
will remove all their cattle and effects across St. Mark's river this 
morning, and perhaps wait near thereto for the event. 

I have been as brief as I can, to give you the substance of what 
appears facts, that cannot be doubted; to enter into details in the pre- 
sent moment, is useless; if the schooner is returned, get all the goods 
on board of her and let her start off for Mannatec creek, in the bottom 
of Cedar Key bay. You will then only have the skins to hide away. 
But no delay must take place; as the vessels will no doubt follow the 
land army, and perhaps even now, some are gone round. I pray 
your strictest attention, for the more that is saved, will be eventually 
more to your interest. Let the bearer have as much calico, as will 
make him two shirts, for his trouble. He has promised to deliver 
this in three, but I give him four days. 

I am yours, affectionately, 

(Signed) A. ARBUTHNOTT 



B. 

From A. Jlrbuthnott, to Charles Cameron, Governor Bahamas. 

Being empowered by the chiefs of the Lower Creek nation, to 
represent tne arate of their nation to your excellency, that you may be 
J. 8 



138 [65] 

pleased to forward the same for the information of his majesty's go,* 
vernment, to whom alone they lookup for protection, against the ag- 
gressions and encroachments of the Americans, I beg leave to submit 
to your excellency, the enclosed representations, humbly praying that 
your excellency will be pleased to take an early opportunity of for- 
warding the same to Great Britain. 

I am also instructed by Bowleck, chief of Sahwahnee, to make 
the demand herein enclosed, he never having had any share of the 
presents distributed at Prospect Bluff, though he rendered equally es- 
sential services, as any of the other chiefs, to the British cause, while 
at war with America; and was at New Orleans with a part of his war- 
riors. His frontiers being more exposed to the predatory incursions of ^ 
the back Georgians, who enter his territory and drive off his cattle, 
he is obliged to have large parties out to watch their motions, and 
prevent their plundering; and being now deficient of ammunition, he 
prays your excellency will grant his small demand. Humbly sub- 
mitting the same, 

I have the honor to remain your excellency's 

Most humble servant, 

(Signed) A. A» 



'lTxe humble representations of the chiefs of the Creek nation-. 

To his Excellency Governor Cameron. 

First, we beg leave to represent, that Edmund Doyle and Wil- 
liam Hambly, lately clerks at Prospect Bluff, to Messrs. Forbes, 
and who still reside on the Appalachicola river, we consider as the 
principal cause of our present troubles and uneasiness. Hambly was 
the instrumental cause of the fort at Prospect Bluff being destroyed 
by the Americans, by which we lost the supplies intended for our fu- 
ture wants; since then both these men have kept emissaries 
among us, tending to harrass and disturb our repose, and that of our 
brethren ot the middle and upper nation; they spread among us re- 
ports that the Cowhettes, aided by the Americans, are descending tc 
drive us off our land, they equally propagate false. 



[65] |£9 



c. 

From 3- Arbuthnott, to Benjamin Moodie, Esq. enclosing letters to 
Charles Baggott y Esq British minister at Washington. 

Sahwahnee, in the Creek Nation, 

27th January, 181 8-. 
SIR, 

The enclosed, containing matter of serious moment, and demand- 
ing the immediate attention of his excellency the British ambassador, 
I trust he will, tor this time, forgive the trifling expense of postage, 
which I have endeavored to prevent as much as possible, by com- 
prising much matter in one sheet of paper. Should you, sir, be put 
to any trouble or expense bv this trouble 1 give you, by being made 
acquainted with the same, I will instruct Bain Dunshee & Co. to or- 
der payment of the same. 

I have the honor to be, sir, 

Your most ubedient humble servant, 

(Signed) A. ARBUTHNOTT 



From A. Avbuthnolt to the honorable, Charles Bagot. 

£!R, 

It is with pain I again obtrude myself upon your excellency's 
notice; but the pressing solicitations of the chiefs of the Creek nation, 
and the deplorable situation in which they are placed, by the wanton 
aggressions of the Americans, I trust your excellency will take as a 
sufficient apologv for the present intrusion. 

In August last, the head chief of the Seminole Indians, received 
a letter from general Gaines, of which I have taken the liberty of an- 
nexing your excellency the contents, as delivered me by the chief's 
head English interpreter, with Kenhigee's reply thereto. 

This letter appears to have been intended to sound the disposi- 
tion of the chief, and ascertain the furce necessary to overrun the na- 
tion, for from then, until an actual attack was made on Fowltown, 
the same general, with general Jackson, seem to have been collect- 
ing troops, and settlers in various quarters. 



140 [65] 

If your excellency desire to have further information, respecting 
the situation of this country and its inhabitants, I can, from time to 
time, inform your excellency of such facts and circumstances, as arc 
Stated to me, by chiefs of known veracity, or which may come under 
my own observation; and your excellency's orders, addressed to me 
at New Providence, will either find me there, or be forwarded me tu 
this country. 

With great respect, I have the honor to be, 

Your excellency's most obedient servant, 

(Signed) A. A. 



[The following memorandum was on the back of the foregoing 

letter:] 

Kenhigee 1000, Boleck 1500 Oso Hatjo Choctawhatchy 500, 
Himashy Mico Chattehouchy 500, at present with Hillisajo — At 
present under arms 1000 and more — and attacking those Americans 
who have made inroads into their territory. 

A quantity of gunpowder, lead, muskets and flints, sufficient to 
arm one thousand to two thousand men. 

Muskets 1000, more smaller pieces, if possible. 

10,000 flints, a proportion for rifle put up separate* 

50 casks gunpowder, a proportion for rifle. 

2,000 knives, six to nine inch blade, good quality. 

1,000 tomahawks — 100 lbs. vermillion. 

3,000 lbs. lead, independent of ball for musket. 

(Signed) KENHIGEE. 

BOLECK. 



From General Gaines to the Seminoly Chiefs,. 

To the Seminoly Chiefs. 

Your Seminoly's are very bad people; I don't say whom; you 
iiave murdered many of my people, and stolen many cattle, and many 



C653 



141 



good houses that cost me money, you have burnt for me; and now 
that you see my writing, you will think I have spoken right. I know 
it is so, you know it is so, for now you may say I will not go upon 
you at random; but just give me the murderers, and I will show them 
my law, and when that is finished and passed, if you will come about 
any of my people, you will see your friends, and if you see me, you 
will see your friend. But there is something out in the sea, a bird 
with a forked tongue, whip him back before he lands, for he will be 
• the ruin of you yec; perhaps you do not know who or what 1 mean— » 
I mean the name of Englishman. 

I tell you this, that if you do not give me up the murderers who 
have murdered my people, I say I have got good strong warriors, 
with scalping knives and tomahawks. You harbor a great many of 
my black people among you, at Suwahnee. If you give me leave to 
go by you, against them, I shall not hurt any thing belonging to you. 

(Signed) GENERAL GAINES. 



From Kenhigee to General Gaines, in answer to the foregoing, 

To General Gaines, 

You charge me with killing your people, stealing your cattle, 
and burning your houses. It is I that have cause to complain of the 
Americans. While one American has been justly killed, while in the 
act of stealing cattle, more than four Indians have been murdered 
while hunting, by those lawless freebooters. I harbor no negroes. 
When the Englishmen were at war with America, some took shelter 
among them, and it is for you white people to settle those things 
among yourselves, and not to trouble us with what we know nothing 
about. I shall use force to stop anv armed Americans from passing 
tny towns or on my lands. 

(Signed) KENHIGEE^ 



D. 

# Note of Indian talks* 

In August, Capp had a letter from general Gaines, in substance 
as annexed, No. 1; and returned the answer as by No. 2. Nothing 
further was eaid on either^ side. The end of October, a party of 



142 



[65] 



Americans from a fort on Flint river, surrounded Fowl Town, during 
the night, and began burning it; the Indians then in it, fled to the 
swamp, and in their flight had three persons killed by fire from the 
Americans; they rallied their people and forced the Americans to re- 
tire some distance, but not before they had two more persons kill- 
ed. The Americans built a blockhouse,' or fort, where they had fall- 
en back to, and immediately sent to the forts up the country for assis- 
tance, stating the Indians were the aggressors. One of those letters 
falling into the hands of general Mitchell, he made inquiry, and found 
his people were the aggressors, and also settled with Inhemathlo 
for the loss his people had suffered; at the same time, sending a talk 
to Kenhigee, by a head man, Opony, that he would put things in 
such a train as to prevent further encroachments, and get those 
Americans to leave the forts. But no sooner was this good talk given, 
and before the bearer of it returned home, than hundreds of Ameri- 
cans came pouring down on the Indians. Roused to a sense of 
their own danger, they flew to arms, and have been compelled to 
support them ever since. It is not alone from the country, but by- 
vessels enteiing App^lachicola river; troops, an J settlers are pouring 
into the Indian territory, and if p< rmitted to continue, will soon 
overrun the whole of the Indian land . 

From the talk sent Kenhigee, by Gen. Mitchell. I am in hopes that 
those aggressions of the Americans on the Indian territory, are not 
countenanced by the American government, but originate with men 
devoid of principle, who set laws and instructions at defiance, and stick 
at no cruelty and oppressions to obtain their ends. Against such op- 
pr.essoi.f the A erican government must use not only all their influence, 
but if necessary force, or their names must be hand d down to pos. 
terity, as a nati. n more cruel and savage to the unfortunate aborigines 
of this country, than ever were the Spaniards, in more dark ages, 
to the natives of South America. 

The English government, as the special protectors of the Indian 
nations, and on whom alone they rely for assistance, ought to step 
forward and save those unfortunate people from ruin; and as you, 
Sir, are appointed to watch over those interests ic is my dut\ as an 
Englishman, and the only one in this part of the Indian nation, to in- 
struct you of the talks the chiefs bring me for your information, and 
I sincerely trust, Sir, you will use the powers you are vested with for 
the «e.rvice and protection of those unfortunate people who look up 
to you as their saviour. I have written general Mitchell, who I learn 
is an excellent man, and as he acts as Indian agent, I hope his influ- 
ence will stop the torrent of innovators and give peace and quietness 
to the Creek nation. 

I pray your excellency will pardon this intrusion, which nothing 
but the urgency of the case would have induced me to make, 

I have the honor to be, 

Your Excellency's most obedient serv't. 
[Signed] A. A. 



t*0 



Us 



E. 

From Chappkhimkco and Bowled, to Governor Cameron. 
Jo hJs Excellency Governor Cameron, 

exceHencvt'nmf ™ ^ **** ° bIiged t0 ° btrud * ou ^Ive 3 on your 

g^23»«sr Ess i-ss&S 

troops and setUers to rive "Trim our bnT I - ■ ' '° brin « °"- 

them; for i„ the end „f „ °' a " Ztl „f ' A '^ P OM ^ io » of 

Fowl Town during the „i,h, . 1 P l 7 A . mencan '> surrounded 
,„■. "uuuringtne night, and in the morn ntr btnn «mi™ s 

cans retired some distance, and built a for or Work h. ' Amen " 
themselves, until the assistance Ly Wad sent for 10 t' 7 '° T^ 
country, should arrive A letter fJn ? u . ' ' '' rtS ' lI P the 

Mitchell, the Indian g'ntwhh st d n L'Tn°, the ^ ° f S^™ 1 
aggressors; he suspend S, td on t^ fo ^ ^ lHe 
vcrje; m consequence, he made satisfaction^ iVhem th o h l^ 
ofl^owlTown.andhi&neoole for rh- Jn," , • innem «"n'«, the chief 

chiefs stating his wish to see ali the Indians friends and ,h , ^ 

bearer of the talk could return h Q me, h me hundreds °f A * ** 
descendinsr on us- th™ K,,,. .1 , ""•weds of Americans 

from Mobfle" andgo^ bp thelooad-cnf r a ° d "•°" ps whiih «•>»« 
to those invaders, «2 „^ £' P Wf » ' hus seeing „„ end 
our brethren are now igii^^^T'-T^f^^ 
fathers, for their fa^iliefandforc^ £££.7 '"n "" ed tr ° m ,Mr 
without assistance- our sin-ws, (■",., , Wl " °" r exer ""ns do 

as we have been '," 7w &£** m "' ^ -dharrassed, 
-eans to provide for 'our ^Traordlarv w ail " to To ?' "* *» 
we look up ,„ f 0r protection and support bat to ,1 f • ",'° C '™ 

have at ail former times held l„„n u , C f i enda wh o 

who have sworn in Xi t re ,' ^ t^t "•"J? 1 "* "*' "" d 
™« "fth. »d privi.eges rejected itX^ZZlX %% 



144 [65] 

gression? We now call on your excellency, a9 the representative of 
our good father, King George, to send us such aid in ammunition, 
as we are absolutely in want of; and as our brother chief, Hillisajo, 
was informed, when in England, that when ammunition was wanted 
to enable us to protect our just rights, that your excellency would sup- 
ply us with what was necessary. We have applied to the Spanish 
officer at the fort of St. Marks; but his small supply prevents his be- 
ing able to assist us, and we have only on your excelleucy to depend. 
We likewise pray your excellency would be pleased to send an officer 
or person to lead us right, and to apportion the supply you may be 
pleased to send us, agreeably to our proper wants. 

In praying your excellency will lend an ear to our demand, and 
despatch it without delay, 

We remain your excellency's faithful, 

And most obedient friends and servants, 

[Signed] CAPPACIIEMICCO, 

BOLECK, 

For ourselves, and all the other Chief, 
of the loxver Creek Nation, 



Letter from A. Jlrbuthnott. to Col. Edzuard Nicholk. 

Nassau^ JV. P. 26th August, 1817. 

si£ 

Especially authorized by the chiefs of the Lower Creek nation, 
whose names I affix to the present, I am desired to address you, that 
you may lav their complaint before his majesty's government. They 
desire it to be made known, that they have implicitly followed your 
advice in living friendly with the Americans, who were their neigh- 
bors, and nowise attempted to molest them: though they have seen the 
Americans encroach on their territory, burning their towns, and mak- 
ing fields where their houses stood, on the Chattahouche, rather than 
make resistance, they have retired lower in the peninsula. The town oi 
Echallawav, where Otis Micco was chief, is one instance >f the en- 
croachments of the Americans; this town is situated unker the guns of 



[65] 



145 



fort Gaines and Micco was desired to submit to the Americans, or bis 
town would be blown to atoms; rather than do so, he retired, and is 
now living in the lower nation, and his fields, and even where the town 
stood, is ploughed up by the Americans. They complain of the En- 
glish government neglecting them, after having drawn them into a 
war with America; that you, sir, have not kept your promise, of send- 
ing people to reside among them; and that if they have not some per- 
son or persons, resident in the nation, to watch over their interest, 
they will soon be driven to the extremity of the peninsula. You left 
Mr. Hambly, to watch over the interest of the Creek nation; but you 
hardly left the nation, whan he turned traitor, and was led by 
Forbes to take the part of the Americans; his letter to me, of which 
I annex you a copy, will show you what lengths he could go, if he had 
the means. It is Hambly and Doyle, who give the Indians all the 
trouble they experience; thev send their emissaries among the Lower 
Creeks, and make them believe the Cowhettas, aided by the Ameri- 
cans, are arming against them; thus both are put in fear, and their 
fields are neglected, and hunting is not thought of. I have endeavour- 
ed to do away this fear, by writing the chief of the Cowhetta towns, 
that they ought to live on friendly terms, with their brethren of the 
lower nation, whose wishes were to be on good terms with them, and 
not to listen to any bad talks, but to chase those, that give them, from 
among them. My letter was answered by them rather favorably, 
and I hope the talk that was sent to the big warrior last June, will heal 
the difference between them. 

Hillisajo arrived in my schooner at Oclocknee sound last June, 
and was well received by all the chiefs, and others who came to wel- 
come him home. In consequence of his arrival a talk was held, the 
substance of which I put on paper for them, and it was sent with a pipe 
of peace to the other nations. Hillisajo wished to return to Nas- 
sau with me, but I prevailed on him to stay in the nation and keep 
them all at peace. I regret, sir, to notice, this good man's affairs, though 
by his desire: it appears that he arrived in Nassau a short time after 
I had left it in January, and captain W. being here, took charge of 
him, his goods and money, prevailing on the governor to let him stay 
with him until he went down to the nation, which it was his inten- 
tion to do. Of the money received of governor Cameron, he had on- 
ly given him eighty dollars, by captain W. a barrel of sugar, a bag of 
coffee, and a small keg of rum; and the interpreter, Shugart, in- 
formed me, that when Hillisajo asked for an account, captain W. 
refused it, saying it would be useless to a man who could not read. 
He also misses two cases, one of which contained he thinks crockery; 
I have made inquiry of his majesty's ordnance store keeper, and he 
informs me the whole were delivered to captain W ; they are there- 
fore lost to Hillisajo. 

I am desired to return Hillisajo's warmest acknowledgments 
for the very handsome manner you treated him in England, and he 
begs his prayer may be laid at the foot of his royal highness, the 
19 



146 [65] 

prince regent. I left him and all his family well, on the twentieth of 
June. Old Cappachimicco desires me to send his best respects, and 
requestst hat you would send out some people to live among them, and 
all the land they took from Forbes, shall be theirs. At all events they 
must have an agent among them, to see that the Americans adhere, 
to the treaty, and permit them to live unmolested on their own lands. 
This agent should be authorized by his majesty's government, or he 
will not be attended to by the Americans. In the gazettes of Georgia, 
the Americans report the Seminole Indians are continually commit- 
ting murders on their borders, and making incursions into the state. 
These are fabrications tending to irritate the American government 
against the poor Indians; for during the time I was in the nation, 
thete was only one American killed, and he, with two others, were in 
the act of driving off cattle, belonging to Boieg, chief of Suwany. 
whereas three men and a boy were killed last June, by a party of 
American cattle-stealers, while in their hunting camps; the boy they 
scalped, and one of Boleg's head men was killed on St. John's river, 
in Julv. The backwood Georgians, and those resident on the bor- 
ders of the Indian nation, are continually entering it, and driving off 
cattle. Thev have in some instances made settlements, and particu- 
larly on the Choctohachy river, where a considerable number have 
descended. 

By the treaty with Great Britain, the Americans were to give up 
to the Indians, all the lands that may have been taken from them 
during the war, and place them on the same footing they were in 
1811. It appears they have not done so; that Fort Gaines on the 
Chatahoochy river,and Camp Crawford on the Flint river, are both on 
Indian territory that was not in possession of the Americans, in 1811. 
They arc fearful that before any aid is given by the English govern- 
ment, they will be no longer in possession of any territory. 

I wrote last January to his excellency the Hon. Charles Bagot, 
respecting the encroachment of the Americans; as I was informed by 
the copy of a letter from the right honoroble earl Bathurst, handed 
me by his excellency governor Cameron, that his majesty's ambassa- 
dor had received orders to watch over the interests of the Indians. 
Since my return here, I have received of Mr. Moodie, of Charleston, 
an extract of a letter from the honorable Charles Bagot, that the ex- 
panse of postage is so considerable, any further communications of 
the same nature, must be sent him by private hands. Now, sir, as no 
person goes from this direct to Washington, how am I to be able to 
comply with his desire? Thus he will be kept ignorant of the real situ- 
ation of the poor Indians, and the encroachments daily made on their 
lands by American settlers, while he may be told by the American go- 
vernment that no encroachments have been made, and that the forts 
they still hold, are necessary to check the unruly Seminoles. Thus 
the person appointed to watch over the interest of the Indians, hav- 
ing no other means of information, than from the parties interested 
in their destruction, and seeing from time to time in the American 



[65] 



u: 



gazettes, accounts of cruel murders, &c.&c,on the frontier settlements 
of the United States, he apprehends the Indians merit all the Ameri- 
cans do to them. , -r : 

But let his majesty's governmentappoint an agent with full pow- 
ers and to correspond with his majesty's ambassador at Washington, 
and his eyes will then be opened as to the motives that influence Amer- 
ican individuals as well as the government, in vilifying the Indians, 
The power given me, and the instructions were, to memorial hi? 
majesty's government as well as the governor general of Havanna : 
but if you will be pleased to lay this letter before his majesty's secre- 
tary of state, it will save the necessity of the first, and I fear that a 
memorial to the governor general would be of no use. Referring 
you to the answer,* 

I am most respectfully, sir, 

Your obedient servant, 

[Signed] A. ARBUTUNOTT 

Lieut, col. Edward Mcholte, 



From A. Arbuthnott to William Ilamb/t/. 

Ocklocknee Sound, 3d May, 1817. 

SIR, 

On my return here this day I received a letter, signed by you, 
and dated 23d March. As you therein take the liberty of advising 
me as you say, by order of the chiefs of the Creek nation, I am 
K lad of, and shall embrace this opening you give me, and reply to 
you at some length. First, sir, let me premise, that when you lived 
at Prospect Bluff, a clerk to Messrs. Forbes and Co. you did not con- 
sider Cappachimicco, M'Quin, or any other of the chiefs of the lower 
Creek nation, as outlaws, nor have they ever been considered as such 
by the Englishgovernment, whoarethe especial protectors of the Indi^ 
an nations; and it ill becomes Mr. Hambly to call Cappachimicco an 
outlaw; that man who has ever been his friend, and by his authority 

[* See the unsigned paper, No. 71.] 



148 [65] 



has prolonged his life. Y P « «;.. a ... 

the Creek LtiononsideVln'/vol/.^T^^^^ » nd "arriors of 
would have long ere this h\f T ^ ch ^f cause of their troubles 

your life, madeVoupa^ ?°H' a " d Perhap,, with 

had not that man, wL has been vonrf 7?™* hea P ed on them, 
stepped in as you'r protector y/t Si, T^h T ^ y ° Uth ' 

bly presumes to rail 9 „ ,i' i ' S ls the man whon - Mr Ham- 

honest and upright man dreads no Ann 8 f 7 ^^ haVe fear ' a " 
mits no ill; and yom arm o "in f ^u' T D ° ^ as he com " 
would rightly fJ^Zzllf&TStTJv *ft* ^ 5 
vile insinuation that I have h PP „ ?k y g r 7* - Your mean and 

comes ill from he wh ha, been the '^ °* J*?* md murders ' 
dreds Thmmk ,, e cause of the murder of hun- 

~ ^^S^RS^^S^ M ,he „ f0 "' ?«** 

Indians, were cuidedbv is „„! ™„," ' conduct - sir . «° the 

to influence th?m?!o esteem ?n?r" M T'Y° U w °"'d endeavor 

live in harmony Tndfrie„dsmnculi'l SP , ee l th ^ " S br °' h « 5 - aad 
tafeins their diversion! n?„,, P ' Cultlvat ' n 8 'hetr lands in summer, and 

: n u X^:' e „£ r f the • ^tesit 

of the^ndlans ""we're , an ?ns,ir rS?*""!! '* ,he trUe ftie " d 
your rife assertions ° haVC heard m >' ' alk5 ' «» contradict 



^eTbidl'o" 5 * s a b ; r «"• ssg r hebo f «**•*& » d 

brethren of the lower nation ,T, h P r' pe °' peace ' wuh th ^" 
made some *^J^^$2^*&£ «■« 
of a humane man, who caused them t wnt7a tL^ tn2Z 



[65] 149 

jug my removing from a board of outlaws, and which letter is signed, 
4; William Hambly." 

I shall only make one more observation, and that will show from 
whence I come, and whether I come amongst the Indians as arenega- 
do, or as the friend of peace and harmony. 

In the springof 1816, W. Hambly sent governor Cameron a let- 
ter containing talks of the chiefs of the Indian nations; they were for- 
warded to England; and his excellency handed me, on my leaving 
Providence, an answer thereto from the right honorable earl Ba- 
(thurst, one of his majesty's chief secretaries of state, that I might 
imake the same known to the chiefs on my arrival in the nation. 
What will governor Cameron think of the man, who, in 1816, could 
(write against the encroachments of the Americans on the Indian na- 
tion, and in the spring of 1817, call the chiefs of that nation, for whom 
(he more especially wrote, outlaws? Mr. Hambly may sell his services 
ito America, but no man can expatriate himself from that allegiance 
lue to his native country; and a government may call on a friendly 
tiation to give up a subject that has seriously wronged her. 

I recommend Mr. Hambly to be content with Douceur he may 
fiave received and permit the unlettered Indian to live quietly and 
beaceably on his native land. 

I shall send a copy of this letter, with the one from you, to be 
read to the chiefs of the nation, and shall, at the same time, take an 
>pportunity of explaining myself more fully, than I did in the note 
jgent by Opony. Wishing you a speedy recantation of your errors, 
tnd a return to your former way of thinking, 

I am your obedient, 
(Signed) A. ARBUTHNOTT. 






H. 



Letter from A. Jlrbuthnott, to the governor of Havana. 

Ira his excellency, Bon , 

Governor General, £j?c. &c. 

The chiefs of the Creek nation, whose names are hereunto an- 
exed, beg leave to approach your excellency, and represent their 
omplaints. Long imposed on by the persons keeping stores in this 
ountry, in charging us exorbitant prices for their goods, while they 



150 [65] 

only allowed us a Very trifling one for our peltry, we have found it ne» 
cessary to look out for a person that will deal fairly with us, and we 
wish to establish a store for him on Appalache river; we have made 
application to the commandant of St. Marks, and he has referred us to 
your excellency. It is not alone the impositions that have been practised 
wpon us, that has made us presume to address your excellency, we l 
have complaints of a more serious nature, against the persons em- j 
ployed !'y the only house that has been established among us, that of j 
Mr. Forbes. In the first place, some years back, under false pretences, ' 
they attempted to rob us of a very large portion of our best lands, and 
we the more readily acceded to it, from the faithful promise given us, 
that they would get English people to settle it, and live among us; but 
far from doing this, Mr. Forbes attempted to sell it to the American go-^j 
vernment, and settle it with Americans; thus finding ourselves decetv- \ 
edand imposed on, we withdrew our grant about three years since, 
which, from the stipulations contained therein, not being fulfilled on | 
the part of Mr. Forbes, we conceived we had a right to do. Secondly, J 
Mr. Doyle and Mr. Wm. Ilambly, the two persons left in the nation to j 
carry on Mr. Forbes's business, have, for more than two years, beenil 
endeavoring to influence us to join the Americans, and finding that«i 
fair means would not swerve us from our attachment to our ancient 
friends, the English, they have recently had recourse to threats, of,! 
bringing the Americans down upon us; and that people only want a J 
pretext to attack us, which the said Doyle and Hambly attempt to t 
give them, by spreading false reports of our murdering Ameri-i 
cans, stealing their cattle, and preparing for war against them, while 
in fact, it is the Americans who murder our red brethren, steal r 
our cattle, by hundreds at a time, and are daily encroaching on our ' 
lands, and maintaining the settlers in their ill gotten possessions by 
armed force. 

On the Choctawhatchy river, there are a large body of Ameri- 
cans, forming settlements, and more are daily joining them. As this 
river is far within that line, marked out by your excellency's govern- 
ment, (and the Americans some years since, though that line was un- 
known to us until very lately, and we never gave our sanction, nor in 
fact, knew of any sale of our lands, being made to the Americans,) we 
trust your excellency will give orders, to displace them from within 
the line, and send them back to their own country. Our delaying to 
address your excellency, to represent the forementioned grievances, 
has been owing to the want of a person to attend to our talks, and put 
them in writing for us. The commandant of the fort of St. Marks, 
has heard all our talks and complaints. He approves of what we 
have done, and what we are doing, and it is by his recommendation 
we have thus presumed to address your excellency. 
We have the honor to be, 

Your excellency's most obedient, 
And very humble servant, 
(Signed) A. ARBUTHNOTT. 



[65] 



151 



No. 1. 

Power of attorney from the Indian Chiefs to A. Arimthnott. 

Know all men by these presents, That we, chiefs of the Creek 
natioo, whose names are affixed to this power, having full faith and 
confidence in Alexander Arbuthnott, of New Providence, who knowing 
all our talks, is fully acquainted with our intentions and wishes, do 
hereby by these presents, continue and appoint him, the said Alex* 
ander Arbuthnott, our attorney and agent, with full power and author* 
ity, to act for us and in our names in all affairs relating to our nation, 
and also to write such letters and papers, as to him may sppear ne- 
cessary and proper for our benefit, and that of the nation. 

Given at Ocklocknee Sound, in the Creek nation, this 17th day 
of June, one thousand eight hundred and seventeen. 

[Signed] 

Cappachimico x [Kenhigee, chief of the Mickasukeys. 

Inhimathlo x Chief of the Fowl towns. 

Charle Tustonaky x Charle Nishomatta, second chief of the Ock- 

mulgee towns. 
Otos Mico x Chief of the Conholoway, below fort Gaines, 

Ochacona Tustonaky x Oponey, chief of the Ockmulge towns. 
Imathluchex Chief of the Attapulgas. 

Inhimathluchy x Chief of the Palatchocoleys. 

Lahoe Himathlo x Chief of the Chehaws. 

Homathle Mico x Chief of the Red Sticks. 

Talmuches Hatcho x Peter M'Queen, chief of the Tallapasses, (as 

old Red Stick.) 
Hillisajo x Francis, the prophet. 

Opoithlimico x A Red Stick, created chief by the Ibwer 

towns.] 

Witness, 

PETER SHUGERT, 

Interpreter. 

[I certify that the Indian chiefs whose signatures are placed oo 
the left hand side, to the full powers granted to Alexander Arbuthnott, 
are the chiefs of the towns and places above named. 

[Signed] WILLIAM HAMBLY. 

Witness, 

WILLIAM S. FULTON, 

Private Sec. Commanding Gen.} 



152 [65] 

No. 2. 

Supposed to be for Bolegs to the governor of St. Augustine. 

To his excellency Don Jose Copinger. 

To his excellency, to James Green governor St. Augustine. 

SIR, 

I had the honor of receiving your letter of September, but the 
impossibility of finding a person to write an answer to the same is the 
cause of this apparent neglect. 

I shall be very happy to keep up a good understanding and cor- 
repondence with you, and hope you will, when occasion offers, advise 
me of such things as may be of service to myself and people. My 
warriors and others that go to Augustine, return with false reports 
tending to harass and distress my people, and preventing them from 
attending to their usual avocations. At one time the Americans and 
upper Indians, supported by a force of about 3000 men, were running 
lines far within the Indian territory; at another time are collecting a 
force at fort Mitchell in the forks of Flint and Chattahoochy rivers to 
fall on the towns below. Now, sir, we know of no reason the Amer- 
icans can ha\e to attack us, an inoffensive and unoffending people. 
We have none of their slaves, we have taken none of their property 
since the iymericans made peace w'uh our good father, king George. 
We have followed the orders of his officer that was with us, lieuten- 
ant colonel Edward Nicholls, and in nowise molested the Americans, 
though we daily see them encroaching on our territory, stealing our 
cattle and mnrdering and carrying off our people. That same officer 
also told us, we allies to the great king our father, were included in 
the treaty of peace between our good father and the Americans, and 
that the latter were to give up all the territory that had been taken 
from us before and during the war. Yet so far from complying with 
the ninth article of that treaty, they are daily making encroachments 
on our land, getting persons who are not known to the chiefs, and 
without any power or authority, to grant and sign over lands to them. 
Thus they deceive the world and make our very friends believe we 
are in league with them. 

The principal chiefs of the nation, with the head warriors, as- 
sembled at my town, on the 8th instant, and came to the resolution 
of informing the British minister at Washington of the conduct 
of the Americans and the officers of their government towards 
us; it has heen done accordingly, and copies sent to England. 
We demand of the king, our father, to fix some of his people among 
us, who may inform him from time to time, of what is passing, and 
see the Americans do not extend themselves on our lands. The Spa- 
nish subjects in the Floridas are too much in the interests of the 
Americans to be our friends. For the governors I shall always enter- 



[653 



155 



sain the greatest regard, but for the people, they do not act so as to 
merit any esteem and protection. You desire I would chase those 
marauders who steal my cattle: my people have lately driven some 
Amerioans from Lahhewary, and I have no duubt the Americans will 
hold of this as a pretext to make war on us as they have before done, 
in stating we, harbor their runaway slaves.* 



No.. 3. 

' General Mitchell, Agent for Indian Affairs, 

SIR, 

Kenhijee, the head chief of the Lower Creek nation, has 
called on me to request I would represent to you the cruel and op- 
pressive conduct of the American people, living on the borders of the 
Indian nation, and which he was in hopes, from a talk you were pleas- 
ed to send him some weeks since, would have been put a stop to, and 
peace restored between the Indians and American people. But far 
from any stop being put to their inroads and encroachments, they are 
pouring in by hundreds at a time: not only from the land side, but 
ascending the Appalachicola in vessel loads; thus the Indians have 
been compelled to take up arms to defend their homes from a set of 
lawless invaders. Your known philanthrophy and good will to the 
Indians, induces the head chiefs to hope that you will lose no time 
in using your influence to put a stop to those invasions of their lands, 
and order tha£ those who have already presumed to seize our fields 
may retire therefrom. 

The Indians have seized two persons they think have been 
greatly instrumental in bringing the Americansnpon them, and they 
are now in their possession as prisoners. It is even reported they 
have made sales of Indian lands without the knowledge, consent, or 
approbation of the chiefs of the nation; and from their long residence 
in the nation, and the great influence the one of those people former- 
ly enjoyed among the chiefs, as their chief, there is some reason to 
believe he has been guilty of improper conduct with regard to the. In- 
dian nation.t 

* [See this letter, No. 66, and governor Coppinger's answer J 
+ [For the remainder of this letter, see Ne. 6.] 
20 



m [65] 

No. 4. 

Petition of the Chiefs of the Lower Creek Nation, to Governor Came- 
ron. 

We, the undersigned, deputed by the chiefs of the Creek Nation, 
to wait on your excellency, and lay before you their heavy complaints. 
To the English we have always looked up as friends, as protectors; 
and on them we now call to aid us in repelling the approaches of the 
Americans, who, regardless of treaties, are daily seizing our lands 
and robbing our people; they have already built seven forts on our 
lands; they are making roads and running lines into the very heart of 
our country; and without the interference of the English, we shall 
soon be driven from the land we inherited of our forefathers. 

The Americans tell us, the English will regard us no more, and 
that we had better submit to them; but we cannot submit to their 
shackles, and will rather die in dt fence of our country. 

When peace was made between the English and Americans, we 
were told bv lieut. col E. Nicholls,thatthe Americans were to give up 
our land* they had taken, and we were desired to live quietly and 
peaceably, in no wise molesting the Americans: we have strictly fol- 
lowed these orders; but the Americans have not complied with the 
treaty. Cob Nicholls left Win. Hambly in charge of the fort at Pros- 
pect Bluff, and with orders to hear us if any cause of complaint, and 
represent the same to the British government; hut he turned traitor, 
and brought the Americana down on the fort, which was blown up, 
and many of our red brethren destroyed in it. The ammunition and 
stores, intended for our use, were either destroyed or taken off by the 
Americans. We have sent several messengers to inform your ex- 
cellency of these proceedings of the Americans, but they have never 
returned to us with an answer. Three of our red brethren have late- 
ly been killed by the Americans, while huntingon our own lands, and 
they threaten to attack the towns of Mickasukv and Sahwahnee, the 
only two large towns left us in the Creek nation; and without aid 
from your excellency, we canuot repel their attack. We are therefore 
deputed to demand of your excellency, the assistance of troops and 
ammunition, that we may be able to effectually repel the attack of the 
Americans, and prevent their further encroachments; and if we return 
without assistance, fhe Americans, who have their spies among us, 
will the more quickly come upon us. We most humbly pray your ex- 
cellency will send such a force as will be respected and make us res- 
pectable.* 

Fort Mitchell, in the forks of the Flint and Chattahouche river. 
One above the forks on Flint river, and another almost at its head. 
One do. do. on Chattahouche, and one do. do. 

* [The undersigned paper, No. ? 1 , is supposed to be the answer to this petition.] 



[6£] 155 

(The following endorsed on the foregoing.) 

Charks Cameron, Esq. Governor, Commander in Chief, &?c. fcfc. fc?c„ 

I beg leave to represent to your excellency, the necessity of my 
again returning to the Indian nation, with the deputies from the 
chiefs, and as my trouble and expense can only be defrayed by per- 
mission to take goods to dispose among them, I pray your excel- 
lency will be pleased to grant me such letter or license, as prevent 
me from being captured, in case of meeting with any Spanish cruiser 
o y n the coast of Florida. 



No. 5. 

B. Moodie to A. Arbuthnott. 

British Consulate, 

Charlest.on t S. C. Feb. 7, 1817 J 

T duly received your letter dated, 8th January, with an enclo- 
sure which I forwarded to II. M. Envoy, the honorable Charles Ba» 
got at Washington; since that time 1 have received a few lines from 
him, under date 29th ult. and at his desire I transmit you a copy of 
"ft annexed. 

I am respectfully, Sir, 

Your very obedient servant, 

(Signed) BENJAMIN MOODIE 

To A. Arbuthnott, Esq. Nassau. 



Mr. Bagot to Mr. Moodie. 

Washington, January 29/ h, 1817. 

SIR, 

I duly received your letter cf the 20th inst. enclosing one 
from Nassau. I shall be obliged to you, if you will take an imme- 



156 [65] 

diate opportunity of writing to the gentleman from whom you re- 
ceived that letter, acquainting him from me the expenses of postage 
are so considerable, that I must request if he has occasion to write to 
me again upon the same subject, he will forward his letters by pri- 
vate opportunities only. 

I am, Sir, 

Your obedient humble servant, 

[Signed] CHARLES BAGOT 

B. Moodily Esq. 



No. 6. 

Copy of a letter from A. Arbuthnott to General Mitchell, (enclosed by 

Col. Br early, 27 th Feb. 1 818. J 

[The last paragraph is the extract referred to, p. 134, No. 3, ap- 
pears to be the rough draught of the other paragraphs.] 

Sahwahnee, Lower Creek Nation, 

19th January, 1818. 
To General Mitchell, 

Agent for Indian Affairs. 

SIR, 

Kenhajee, head chief of the Lower Creek nation, had called 
on me to request I would represent to you the cruel and oppressive 
conduct of the American people living on the borders of the Indian 
nation, and which he was in hopes, from a talk you were pleased to 
send him some weeks since, would have been put a stop to, and peace 
restored between the Indians and the American people; but far from 
any stop being put to their inroads and encroachments, they are 
pouring in by hundreds at a time, not only from the land side, but 
both troops and settlers ascending the Appalachicola river in vessel 
loads, that the Indians have been compelled to take up arms to de« 
fend their hojnes from a set of lawless invaders. 



[65] 



157 



Your known philanthrophy and good will towards the Indians in 
general, induced the chiefs to hope, that you will lose no time in 
using your influence to put a stop to those invasions of their lands 
and paternal birthright, and also order that those who have already 
seized on their fields may retire therefrom. 

The Indians have seized two persons known to have been great- 
ly instrumental in bringing the Americans down on thdeir lands, and 
they are now in their possession as prisoners; and they have it in re- 
port, that sales of their lands have been made by those two people, 
without the consent, approbation, or knowledge of the chiefs; and 
from their long residence in the nation, and the oae having enjoyed 
great confidence in the nation, and with the chiefs as English inter- 
preter, there is some reason to believe those reports, when leagued 
with the swarms of Americans coming from Mobile and other places, 
seizing the best of the Indian lands, such improper sales have actu- 
ally been made. 

In taking this liberty of addressing you, Sir, in hehalf of the un- 
fortunate Indians, believe me I have no wish, but to see an end put 
to a war, which, if persisted in, I foresee must eventually be their 
ruin, and as they were not the aggressors, if in the height of their 
rage, they committed any excesses, that you will overlook them, as 
the just ebullition of an indignant spirit against an invading foe. 

'I have the honor to be, Sir, with great respect, 

Youf most obedient and humble servant, 

[Signed] A. ARBUTHNOTT, 

by order of Kenhajee and Bolegs, acting 
for themselves and the other chiefs. 

Camp, before Sf. Marks, April 8, 1818. 

The foregBing letter was produced to A. Arbuthnott, on his ex- 
amination before me, and acknowleged by him to have been written 
by him to general Mitchell, agent for the Creek nation. 

[Signed] ANDREW JACKSON. 

Present, MR. FULTON. 



K. 



DEFENCE. 



May it please this Honorable Court: 

The prisoner arraigned before you, is sensible of the 
indulgence granted by rim honorable court, in the examination of the 



158 [65] 

case now before them. It is not the wish of the prisoner in making 
his defence, to tire the patience of the court, by a minute reference to 
the voluminous documents and papers, or to recapitulate the whole 
of the testimony, which have come before this honorable court, in the 
course of this investigation. Nor is it the intention of the prisoner 
to waste the invaluable time of this court, by appeals to their feelings 
or sympathy, though I am persuaded that sympathy no where 
more abounds than in a generous American breast. My only ap- 
peal is to the sound and impartial judgment of this honorable court, 
the purity and uprightness of their hearts, that they will dispassion- 
ately and patiently weigh the evidence which they have before them, 
apply the law; and on these, and these alone, pronounce their judg- 
ment. 

If this honorable court please, I shall now proceed to examine 
the law and evidence that is relied on by this honorable court, in sup- 
port of the first charge and specification. 

Winslett, a witness on the part of the prosecution, says u the Little 
Prince shew him a letter written in June last, signed A. Arbuthnott, 
requesting his friendship with the lower nations of Indians. The 
same witness stated he believed the letter to be now in the possession 
of the Little Prince. Here, may it please this honorable court, I 
would call their attention to the laws relating to evidence. First, 
premising that the rules of evidenc. are the same, whether in civil or 
military tribunals, M'Com, 99. This point being conceded, the 
next inquiry is, what are the rules of evidence with respect to the 
admission of letters or papers of private correspondence, in a court 
of criminal jurisdiction? May it please this honorable court, must 
you not produce the original letters and papers, if they are not 
lost or mislaid, so that they cannot be obtained; and in case they are 
lost, proof must be made of the hand write, being the same of that of 
the original, before they can be received as evidence? M'Com. on 
Court Martial, Peake's Evidence, Gilbert's Law of Evidence. No 
instance can be cited where a copy of a letter was read as evidence, 
where the original could be obtained, much less the giving in evidence 
the contents of such letters from bare recollection. The only proof 
that this honorable court has of the existence of such a letter being in 
the hands of any person, or its contents being known, is the vagrant 
memory of a vagrant individual. Make this a rule of evidence, and 
1 ask yon where would implication, construction, and invention stop! 
^Vhose property, whose reputation, or whose life woula be safe? 
Here I would beg leave to mention a remark made by the president of 
of this court, in the course of this investigation, which was, that not- 
withstanding the letter was proved by the witness to be in the pos- 
session of the Little Prince, that this court could not notice that cir- 
cumstance, because there was no means by which it could be obtain- 
ed. I would ask the honorable court what means have they adopt- 
ed, or what exertions they have made to procure this letter? If the 
honorable court please, I shall here close the defence on the firs' 



[65] 



159 



charge and specification, believing that they are neither supported 
by law or evidence. 

May it please the honorable court. I will now come to the se- 
cond charge, and first specification of that charge. In support of this 
charge and specification, the evidence before the court is a letter 
written to my son. If the court please, this letter was written in 
consequence of the situation of my property at Sahwahnee, and the 
large debts that were due me from Bowleg and his people. Nothing, 
I believe, of an inflammatory nature can be found on reading the docu- 
ment marked A, authorizing the opinion that I was prompting the 
Indians to war. On the contrary, if the honorable court will examine 
the document marked A, they will see that I wished to lull their fears, 
by informing them that it was the negroes and not the Indians that 
the Americans were principally moving against. 

If the honorable court please, I will make a few remarks upon 
the second specification, and then close my defence. In proof of this 
charge, the court have before them the evidence of Hambly, Cooke, 
and sundry letters purporting to be written by myself, to different in- 
dividuals. May it please the court, what does Cooke prove? Why, 

j that I had ten kegs of powder at Sahwahnee. Let me appeal to the 
experience of this court, if they think that this quantity of powder 
would supply one thousand Indians, and an equal number of blacks, 
more than two months for hunting? As to the letters named in this 

' specification, may it please the court, the rules of evidence laid down 
in the first part of this defence, will apply with equal force in the pre- 
sent case. It remains now, may it please the court, to say something 
as to Hambly's testimony. And may it please this honorable court, 
the rule laid down in this case, as to hearsay evidence, will be found 
without a precedent. A strong case was stated bv an intelligent mem- 
ber of this court, on the examination of this part of the evidence; 
" That is, would you receive as testimony, what a third person had 
saioTwJjo if present, you would reject as incompetent." Apply this 
principle to the present case; could an Indian be examined on oath, 
in our courts of judicature? If then the testimony of savages is inad- 

| missible, Hambly proves nothing. 

Here may it please the honorable court, I close my reply to the 

I charges and specifications preferred against me; being fully persuad- 
ed that should there be cause of censure, that my judges will, in the 

'■' language of the lavv s lean to the side of mercy. 



160 [j55] 

Continuation of the minutes of the proceedings of a Special Couut, 
whereof Major General Gaines is President., convened by order of 
the %§t,h April, 1818. 

Fort St. Marks, 9.7th April, 1818. , 

The court proceeded to the trial of Robert C. Armbrister, a 
British subject, who, being asked if he had any objjectians to any one 
of the members of the court, and replying in the negative, was ar- 
raigned on the following charges and specifications, viz: 

Charges against Robert 0. Armbrister, now in custody, and who 
says he is a British subject. 

Charge 1st. Aiding, abetting, and comforting the enemy, sup- 
plying them with the means of war, he being a subject of Great Bri- 
tain, at peace with the United States, and lately an officer in the Bri- 
tish colonial marines. 

Specification 1st. That the said Robert C. A rn ^hrister, did give 
intelligence of the movements and operations of the American army 
between the 1st and 20th March, 1818, and did excite them* (the ne- 
groes and Indians) to war against the array of the United States, by 
sending their warriors to meet and fight the American army, whose 
government was in peace and friendship with the United States,, and 
all her citizens. 

Charge 2d Leading and commanding the Lower Creek Indians, 
in carrying on war against the United States. 

Specification 1st. That the said Robert C. Armbrister, a subject 
of Great Britain, which government was in peace and amity with the 
United States, and all her citizens, did, between the 1st of February, 
and 20th of March, 1818, levy war against the United States, by as- 
suming command of the Indians in hostility and open war with 
the United States, and ordering a party of them to meet the army of 
the United States, and give them battle; as will appear by his letters 
to governor Cameron, of New Providence, dated 20th March, 1818, 
which are marked A, B, C, and D; and the testimony of Mr. Peter 
B. Cook, and captain Lewis, of the schooner Chance. 

By order of the court, 

J. M. GLASS ELL, 

Tlecordgr. 

To which charges and specifications, the prisoner pleaded as 
follows, viz: 

To the first charge and specification, not guilty. 

To the second charge and specification, guilty, and justification. 

The court adjourned until to-morrow morning, at seven o'clock. 



£65] 



161 



Fort St. Marks, 2&th April, *8t8., 

l^he court met pursuant to adjournment. Presentr, 

Major General GAINES, President. 

Members. 
Co!. King, Coi Dyer; 

Col, Williamson, Lt. Col. Lindsav, 

Lt. Col. Gibson, Lt Gol. Elliot^ 

Major Muhlenburg, Major Fanning, 

Major Montgomery, Major Minton, 

Capt. Yashon, Capt. Crittenden. 

Lieut. J. M. Glassell, Recorder, 
'.'"he recorder then read to the court the following order: 



*'. 



*\Head Quarter** Division of the South. 
Adjutant General's Office, 

«Vcar St. 'JSari\ 28th April, 1818. 

"GENERAL ORDER. 

"Captain Allison of the 7th Infantry is detailed to form a super- 
numerary niemb.tr to the special court now sitting at Fort St. Marks. 

"By order. 
"[Signed] ROBERT BUTLER, 

" Jiqjt. General." 

Pursuant to the above order, thjK supernumerary member took 
his seat. 

John Lewis Phenix, a witness on the part of the prosecution be- 
ing duly sworn, stated that about the fifth or sixth of April 1818, his 
vessel and himself having been captured by the prisoner and he brought 
to Suwaney, as a prisoner, there was an alarm among the negroes and 
Indians created by learning some news from Mickasuk.ee, at which 
time the prisoner appeared active in giving orders and sending a de- 
tachment to meet the American army. The witness also stated that 
the prisoner appeared to be a person vested with authority among 
the negro leaders and gave orders lor their preparation for war, pro- 
curing ammunition, &c. and that the leaders came to him for orders; 
the prisoner furnished them with powder and lead, and recommend- 
ed to them the making balls, &c, very quickly. The witness also 
stated that the prisoner occasionally dressed in uniform with his 
sword, and that on the hrst alarm which he understood was from 
Mickasukee by a negro wyoman, he put on his uniform. The witness 
further stated, that sometime about the 20ih March, 1818, the prison- 
er with an armed body of negroes (24 in number) came on board of 
his vessel, and ordered him to pilot them to fort St. Marks, which he 
stated he intended to capture before the Americans could get there, 
threatening to hang the witness if he did not obey. 



16^ [65j 

Question by the court. Did you ever understand by whose au» 
thority and for what purpose the accused came into thecountn? 

Answer. I have frequently heard him say that he came to at- 
tend to Mr. Woodbine's business at the bay of Tamper. 

Question by the Prisoner. Did I not tell you when I came on 
board the schooner Chance, I wished you to pilot me to St. Marks, 
as I was informed that two Americans by the names of Hambly and 
Doyle were confined there, and I wished to have them relieved from 
d.iiir confinement? 

Answer. You stated you wanted to get Hambly and Doyle 
from St. Marks; I do not know what were your intentions in so do- 
ing. 

Question. Did I not tell you that I expected the Indians would 
fire on me when I arrived at St. Marks.? 

Answer. You did not; you stated that you intended to take the 
Fort in the night by surprise. 

Question. Did you see me give ammunition to the negroes and 
Indians, if s>t> > how much , i od at what time? 

Answer. I saw you give powder and had to the negroes when 
you came on board, and advised th^m to make balls, and I saw you 
give liquor and paint to the Indians. 

Question. Have you not often heard me say, between the 1st 
and 20th of April, that I woij d not have any thing to do with the ne- 
groes and Indians, in excitir.g them to war with the United States? 

Answer. About the 15th of April, I heard you say, you would 
not have any thing to do with the negroes and Indians; I heard noth- 
ing about exciting them to war. 

Question, Can jou read writing? 

Answer. Not English writing. 

Question. Did you not hear me say when arriving at Sahwah- 
nee, that I wished to be off immediately for Providenee? 

Answer. I did not; after the alarm, you said you wished to be 
off for Tamper. 

Question. Did you not say to the accused, you wished to visit 
Mr. Arbuthnott at his store on Suwany, and get provisions yourself? 

Answer. I did not; I stated I wanted provisions. 

Question. Did I send or command any Indians to go and fight 
the Americans? 

Answer. I did not exactly know that you sent them; the Indi- 
ans and negroes were crowding before your door, and you were divid- 
ing the paint, &c. among them; and I understood a party was going 
to march. 

Question. Did I not give up the schooner in charge to you as 
captain? 

Answer. After our return from Suwany town, you directed me 
to take charge of her to go to Tamper. 

John J. Arbuthnott, a witness on the part of the prosecution, be- 
ing duly sworn, stated; that sometime about the 23d March, the j>ri- 



D5 53 



.163 



soher came with a body of negroes, partly armed, to his father's 
store, on Suwany river, and told the witness that he had come to do 
justice to the country, by taking the goods and distributing them 
among the negroes and Indians; which the witness sow the prisoner 
do; and that the prisoner stated to him, that he had come to the coun- 
try on "Woodbine's business, to sec the negroes righted. The witness 
has furth •• k. own the prisoner to give orders to the negroes, and that 
at his suggestion, a party was sent from Suwany to meet the Ameri- 
cans, to give them battle; which party returned on meeting the Mick- 
asukee Indians in their flight. The witness also testified to the hand 
writing of the letter, marked A, and referred to in the specification 
of the SJcl charge, as the writing of the prisoner. 

Question by the Prisoner. Did you hear me say, that I came oa 
Woodbine's business? 

Answer. I did. 

Question by the Prisoner. Were not the negroes alluded to, at 
Arbuthnott's store before i arrived? 

Answer. No you came with them- 

Peter B. Cook, a witness on the part of the prosecution, being 
dub sworn, stated; that he never heard the prisoner give any rders 
to Indians or negroes; that the prisoner did distribute Arbuthnott's 
goods, and also "'paint, to the negroes and Indians; also that some 
powder was brought from Suwanv by the prisoner, and distribu- 
ted among the negroes by Nero. Sometime in March, the pri- 
soner took Arbutnott's schooner, and with an armed party of negroes, 
about 24 in number, se*. out for St. Marks, for the purpose of taking 
Arbuthnott's goods at that phice, and stated that he would compel the 
commandant to give them up. On hearing of the approach of the 
American army, the prisoner told the negroes it was useless for the»i 
to run, for if they ran any further, they would be driven into the sea. 

The prisoner told the witness, that ht- had been a lieutenant in 
the British army, under col. Nicholls. The prisoner was sent by 
Woodbine to Tamper, to see about those negroes he had left there. 
The prisoner told the witness, that he had written a letter to governor 
Cameron, for ammunition for the Indians sometime in March, and 
also told the witness, that he had a commission in the patriot army, 
under M Gregor, and that he expected a captaincy. The witness 
testified that the letters, marked A, B, C, and D, and referred to 
in the specification to the second charge, were in the hand writing 
of the prisoner, also one marked E. 

Question by the Prisoner. Did you not frequently hear me say, 
that I would have nothing to do with the Indians, in exciting them to 
war with the United States? 

Answer. I do not recollect. 

Question. Are you acquainted with Lewis Phenix, and have 
vou not heard him express ill will against me, in consequence of my 
wishing him to pilot me to St, Marks? 



164, [65j 

Answer. T never did. 

Question. Do you know my sending troops at aiv time (o fight 
against the United States; and have I not been constantly with you; 
mo that vou would have had an opportunity of knowing it* there had 
been any sent bv roe? 

Answer. I have not. They might have been sent without my 
knowledge. 

Jacob Harmon* a witness on the part of the prosecution, being 
duly sworn, stated, that some time in the latter end of March, or first of 
April, the prisoner took possession of the schooner Chance, with an 
armed parlv of negroes, and stated his intentions of taking St. Marks. 
On his way thither, on going ashore, he learned from some Indians, that 
Arbuthnott had gone to St. Marks, which induced him to return. 
The witness also stated, that while the prisoner was on board, he had 
complete command of the negroes, who considered him as their cap- 
tain. The prisoner took the cargo of the vessel, up towards Suvvanv, 
which consisted of, with other articles, nine kegs of powder, and five 
hundred pounds of lead. 

The evidence on both sides being closed, the prisoner was allow* 
cd until five o'clock this evening to make his defence. 

The time allowed the prisoner, for the preparation of his del :nce 
having expired, he was brought before the court, and made th de- 
fence marked M, which is attached to these proceedings. 

The court was then cleared, and the proceedings reaci >v'er by 
the recorder, when, after due deliberation on the testimony b 
forward, the court find the prisoner, Robert 'C. Armbris?er, giiL* 
so much of the specification to the first charge as follows, viz: ,l A i \ 
did excite them to war with the United States, by sending their \va* 
riors to meet and fight the American army, he being a subject •-; 
(ireat Britain, which government was at peace and friendship with the 
United States and all her citizens;" but not guilty, of the other pact of 
the specification; guilty of the first charge; guilty of the specification- 
of the second charge; and guilty of the second charge; and do there- 
fore sentence the prisoner, Robert U. Armbrister, to suffer death, by 
being shot, two-thirds of the members of the court concurring therein. 

One of the members of the court, requesting a reconsideration 
of his vote on the sentence, the sense of the court was taken thereon, 
and deciding in the affirmative, when the vote was again taken, and 
*be court sentenced the prisoner to receive fifty stripes on his bare 
hVck' and be confined with a ball and chain, at hard labour t for twe.lvei 
ra'endar months. 

The court adjourned sine die. 

^igned) EDMUND P. GAINES, 

My. Gen. by brevet, Pres't, of the courf t 

CSTgneJct) .F. M. (xtAsgBli, 

Record?*-. 



A. 

* 

From Eater t Jlrm&rister t-o his excellency Charles Cameron, Governor 

Bahamas. 

Sahwahnee, near Fort St. Maris, 

March 20 fh, 1818. 

I am requested particularly by all our Indian chiefs, to acquaint 
your excellency, that the Americans have commenced hostilities with them 
two years ago, and have advanced some considerable distance in their 
country, and are now making daily progress; they say, they sent a num- 
ber of letters to your excellency, by Mr. Arbuthnott, but have never re- 
ceived one answer; which makes them believe that he never delivered 
them, and will oblige them much, if you will let them know whether he 
did or not. The purport of the letters were, begging your excellency to 
be kind enough to send them down some gun powder, muskets, balls, lead, 
cannon, &c. as they are now completely out of those articles. The 
Americans may march through the whole territory in one month, and with- 
out °rms, &c. &c. they must surrender. Alias rladjo, or Francis, the In- 
dia:* -;;ief, the one that was in England, tells me to let your excellency 
know, that the prince regent told him, that whenever he wanted ammu- 
nition, that your excellency would supply him with as much as he wanted. 

They beg me to press upon your excellency's mind, to send the 
abovementioned articles down by the vessel that brings this to you, as she 
will sail for this place immediately, and let the prince regent know of 
their situation. Any letters that your excellency may send down, be 
good enough to direct to me, as they have great dependence in my writing. 
Any news that your excellency may have, respecting them and Ameri- 
ca, will be doing a great, favor to let me know, that I may send among 
them. 

There is now a very large body of Americans and Indians, who I ex- 
pect will attack us every day, and God only knows how it will be decided; 
but I must only say, that this will be the last effort with us. There has 
been a body of Indians gone to meet them, and I have sent another par- 
ty; I hope your excellency will be pleased to grant the favor they request. 
) have nothing further to add, 

But I am, Sir, 

With due respect, 

i -w'y Your ob't. humble servant, 

ROBERT C. ARJVIB1US L1JL 



166 (V,- 

B. 

From Robert Jlrmbrisfer, to Brevet Major Edward Nicholis. 

Sahwa/mee, near river Appalachkola. 

Dear Sir, 

Francis, and all the Indian chiefs, have requested me particularly 
to acquaint you, that the Americans have commenced hostilities with them 
this two years past, and are making daily progress in their territory, and 
say they will proceed. That you are the only friend they have in that 
part of the world, and hope that you exert yourself in their behalf, and 
ask for as much assistance as can be had: that the Americans are at the 
forks of the river Appalachicola. They have written a number of times 
to England and Providence, but have never received one answer; they 
expect the man never delivered the letters; but they have full hopes in my 
writing. They request yon will make the prince regent acquainted with 
their deplorable situation. The Americans have been very cruel since 
they have commenced, and hope you will lose not a single moment in 
forwarding their views. They say, they will be extremely happy to sec 
you out, nothing would give them greater pleasure than to see you out, at 
this present time. If they should not sec you, to send them out all 
news and directions, that they may be guided by it. 

There is about three hundred blacks at this place, a few of our Bluft" 
people; they beg me to say, they depend on your promises, and expect 
you are on the way out, that they have stuck to the cause, and will al- 
ways believe in the faith of you, and any directions you may give, send to 
me at this place, and I will do what I can. 

I remain, my dear sir, 

Most truly yours, 

ROBERT C. ARMBRISTER. 

N. B. Francis says, you must bring the horses when you come out, 
that you promised; and that his house has been burnt down, and burnt his 
uniform clothes. 

R. A. 



c. 

His Excellency Charles Cameron Esq. &?<?. &c f &?c. 

March 20th , 1818. 

SIR, 

I am requested particularly by the Indian chiefs, to acquaint 
your excellency, that the Americans have commenced hostilities with 



£55] 167 

them a long time since, and have advanced some distance in their ter- 
ritory, and are still continuing to advance. That they, the chiefs of Flor- 
ida, have sent repeatedly to your excellency, and have never receiv- 
ed one answer; they suspect Mr. Arbuthnott has never delivered the 
papers to your excellency; they wish me to state to you, that they 
are completely out of ammunition, muskets, 5kc. begging your excel- 
lency will be pleased to send them the articles abovementioned, with 
a few cannon, as the Americans build their be ati so btrong, that their 
rifle balls cannot penetrate their sides. — The captain of the vessel who 
will come down again, 1 have given orders to make your excellency- 
acquainted what time the vessel will sail for this place. Your excel- 
lency will I hope, be good enough to make the Prince Regent ac- 
quainted with their situation and ask for assistance, which they have 
pressed me very hard to press on your excellency's mind, and like- 
wise to send them down what news may be respecting them and the 
country, which will be a great satisfaction to them. 

I have the honor to be, 

Sir, with due respect, 

Your most obdt. humble servt. 

ROBERT C. ARMBRISTER. 

N. B. They beg your excellency will be as expeditious as possible. 
That your excellency is the only dependence they have, and to whom 
the Prince Regent told them, would give them every assistance that 
laid in your nower, 

ROBERT C. ARMBRISTER. 



D. 

tiis excellency governor Cameron, &c. &?c. &?<:. 

Sahwahnee, 20th March, 18 i&. 
JWflr Fort St. Marks. 
SIR, 

I am requested by Francis, and all the Indian chiefs, to acquaint 
your excellency, that they are at war with the Americans, and have 
been some time back. That they are in great distress, for the want 



161 [65] 

©f ammunition, balls, arms, &c. and have wrote by Mr. Arbuthnott, 
several times, but they suppose he never delivered them to your excel- 
lency. You will oblige them much, to let them know whether he did 
or not. I expect the Americans and Indians will attack us daily. I 
have sent a party of men to oppose them. 

They beg me to press on your excellency's mind, to lay the situa- 
tion of the country before the prince regent, and ask for assistance. 
AH news respecting them, your excellency will do a favor to let me 
know by the first opportunity, that I may make them acquainted. I 
have given directions to the captain, to let your excellency know when 
the vessel will sail for this place. 

I hope your excellency will be pleased to send them the ammu- 
nition. I expect, if they don't procure some very shortly, that the 
Americans will march through the country. I have nothing further 
to add. 

But irn, dear sir, 

Your most obedient, humble servant, 

UOBT. C. ARMBRISTER. 



Rf&ert C. Jlrmbr inter to Vcter Cook. 

Mouth River, 
1>£AR Cook, 

The boat arrived here about three o'clock on Tuesday. The 
wind has been ahead ever since. I have been down; the rudder of 
the vessel is in a bad condition, but I will manage to have it done to- 
night. The wind, I am in hopes, will be fair in the morning, when I 
will get under way, and make all possible despatch. 1 will make old 
Lewy pilot me safe. If those Indians don't conduct themselves 
strait, I would use rigorous measures with them. Beware of Mr. 
Jerryj I found him on board when I came; keep a good look out. 1 
have sent two kegs of powder, and a bar of lead. 

Yours, &c. 

R A. 
Tuesday^ 3 t/'cla'ck. 



[65j 169 

Defence M. 

Fort Sf. Marks, April 28th, 1818. 



The United States of America, 
vs. 



''Robert Christy Armbrister, 

Who being arraigned before a special court martial, upon the 
following charges, to wit: 

1st. Aiding, and abetting, and comforting the enemy, supplying 
them with the means of war; he being a subject of Great Britain, at 
peace with the United States, and lately an officer in the British colo- 
nial marines. 

Charges 2d. Leading and commanding the lower Creek Indians, 
in carrying on war against the United States. 

To the first charge, the prisoner at the bar, pjead not guilty; and 
as to the second charge, he plead guilty, and justification. The pri- 
soner at the bar feels grateful to this honorable court, for their good- 
ness in giving him a sufficiency of time to deliberate and arrange his 
defence on the above charges. 

The prisoner at the bar, here avils himself of the opportunity of 
stating to this court, that, inasmuch as the testimony which was in- 
troduced in this case, was very explicit, and went to every point the 
prisoner could possibly wish, he has nothing further to offer in his 
defence, but puts himself upon the mercy of this honorable court. 

(Signed) ROBERT C. ARMBRISTER. 



Head Quarters, Division of the South, 

Adft. GeneraPs office, Camp, four miles 
North of St. Marks, April 29th, 1818. 

GENERAL ORDER. 

At a special court martial, commenced on the 26th instant, a* 
St. Marks, and continued until the night of the 28th, of which brevet 
major general E. P. Gaines is president, was tried A. Arbuthnott, on 
the following charges and specifications, viz: 

Charge 1st. Exciting and stirring up the Creek Indians to war 
against the United States and her citizens, he, A. Arbuthnott, being a 
subject of Great Britain, with whom the United States are at peace. 

Charge 2d. Acting as a spy, aiding, abetting, and comfort? 
ing the enemy, and supplying them with the means of war. 

Charge 3d. Exciting the Indians to murder and destroy Wm, 
Hambly, and Edmund Doyle, confiscate their property, and causing 
22 



* 70 [65] 

their arrest, with a view to their condemnation to death, and the seiz- 
ure of the.r property, they being citizens of Spain, on account of 
he.r active and zealous exertions to maintain peace between Spain 
the United States, and the Indians. &pa,n ' 

To which charges the prisoner pleaded, not guilty. 
Ihe court, after mature deliberation on the evidence adduced 

^ Was also tried, Robert C. Armbrister, on ihe following charges, 

Charge 1st. Aiding, abetting, and comforting the enemv and 
suppl, ,ng them with the means of war, he being a Object o^Great 

o, he R, ^ ,° a ? "■' r" Wi * ,he United States) and ate an officer 

of the British colonial marines. cr 

In .. Ch . ar S e 2d - Lading and commanding the lower Creek Indians 
" carrying on war against the United State! 

1 o which charges the prisoner pleaded as follows, viz: 

andiSifittio^ ^^ n0t SUilty * T ° the Second *«Ke, guilty, 

tinn ^ be i C °u Urt ' ° n examinatioa of evidence, and on mature delibera- 
ion. fi I1( J the prisoner, Robert C. Armbrister, guilty o "he first and 

n^ shot Ihe members request.ng a reconsideration of the vote cm 
th sentence, and it being had, they sentence the prisoner to receive 

h d n' PeS 7 H,S b f re baCk ' 3nd be COnfined ■** • ball and cha n to 
haid labour, for twelve calendar months. 

The commanding general approves the finding and sentence of 
the court, ,n the case of A. Arbuthnott; and approves the find in ^and 
first sentence of the court in the case of Robert C. A mbrist ? and 

f tr s P c aL eSlh It re ar Sidera f i0n °^ 2f ^ °* *' ^5^ 
nis case, ft appearing from the evidence and pleadinirof the n f ; 

so^er, that he did lead and command within the territor o7 Sp a n X 
ing a subject of Great Britain) the Indians in war agafns the United 
fheTi f natIOnb f n S * P— . It is an established p inc^e of 
he laws of nations, that any individual of a nation, makin/wa wains 
the cit.zens ot another nation, th*y beinir at neace fTrf Z u S ,? 
gia^nd becomes an outlaw and ^ ^k^&fc 
C. Armbrister, clearly shown by the evidence adduced. 
Fan ^ hfc commanding general orders, that brevet major A C W 

John James Arbuthnott, will be lurm*)*^ „„\u „ ^ 

sacola, by the first vessel. '"""shed wuh a passage to Pea- 



[65] 



171 



Captain R. K.Call, of the 1st regiment infantry, i^rppointed vo- 
lunteer aid de-camp, to the commanding general until further orders. 

The special court, of which brevet major general E. P. Gaines 
is president, is dissolved. 

By order of major general A. Jackson. 

ROBERT BUTLER. 
. Adjutant General. 



i 



No. 50. 
Extracts from Message of '■25th March, 1818, jmg.es 7, 8, 1 1, 12, 14,23. 

Extract of a letter from the governor of Georgia to general Gaines, dat- 
ed Milledgeville, 5th February, 1817. 

"You, no doubt, have already been informed, that the notorious 
Woodbine has recently made his appearance again, at the mouth of the 
Appalachicola, and that he has an agent now among the Seminole Indi- 
ans and negroes in that quarter, stirring them up to acts of hostilities 
against this country; and that Woodbine himself has gone, in an armed 
vessel, to some part of the West Indies for supplies. Connected with 
f.his fact, is another which my serve as an intimation of the future con- 
duct of these people, when once in the possession of the supplies which 
it is said they expect, en the return of Woodbine. About ten or twelve 
days ago, a small party of those Indians entered the frontier of Wayne 
county, and stole two horses and some cattle: 'they were pursued by some 
of the inhabitants, who peaceably demanded a restoration of the stolen 
property; and instead of a compliance on the part of the Indians, they im- 
mediately fired upon the whites, who retired without returning a shot. — 
One of the whites was mortally wounded." 



Extract of a letter from George Perri/man to lieutenant Sands, dated 

February 24, 181T. 

" The charge given me by col. Clinch and yourself, and other officers 
of the United States, induces me to believe there is a confidence placed 
in me, which I ought not to deceive. I therefore think it my duty, as well 
,as my inclination, to give you the following information: there was a 
friend of mine, not long since, in the Fowl-town on Flint, and he saw 
many horses, cattle, and hogs, that had come immediately from the state 
of Georgia; and they are bringing them away continually. They speak 
in the most contemptuous manner of the Americans, and threaten to have 
satisfaction for what has been done; meaning the destruction of the ne- 
gro fort. There is another of my acquaintances returned immediately 
tr.om the Seminole towns, and saw the negroes on parade there: he count- 



172 [65] 

ed about 600 that bore arms: they have chosen officers of every descrip- 
tion, and endeavour to keep up a regular discipline, and are very strict in 
punishing violators of their military rules. There is said to be about the 
same number of Indians, belonging to their party, and there are both ne- 
groes and Indians daily going to their standard. They say they are in 
complete fix for fighting, and wish for an engagement with the Americans, 
or M'Intosh's troops; they would let them know they had something more 
to do than they had at Apalachicola. They have chosen Bowlegs for 
their head, and nominated him king, and pay him all kind of monarchial 
respect, almost to idolatry, keeping a picket guard at the distance of five 
miles. They have a number of the likeliest American horses; but there 
is one or two chiefs that is not of the choir. Kenhagee, the Micasukey 
chief, is one that is an exception." 



Extract of a letter from Jlrchibald Clarke intendant, St. Mary's, Geor- 
gia, to Gen. Gaines, dated February 9,6th 1817. 

u On the 2ith instant, the house of Mr. Garret, residingin the up- 
per part of this county, near the boundary of Wayne county, was at- 
tacked during his absence, near the middle of the day, by this party, 
consisting of about fifteen, who shot Mrs. Garret, in two places, and 
then despatched her by stabbing and scalping. Her two children, one 
about three years, the other two months, were also murdered, and 
the eldest scalped: the house was then plundered of every article of 
value, and set on fire." 



Extract of a letter from Richard M. Sands, 4ih Infantry, commanding ut 
Fort Gaines, Georgia, to Col. William King, or officer commanding 
the 4th Regt. Infantry, dated March 1 5th, 1817. 

"I enclose, for your information, two letters, which I received a 
few days since. Yesterday William Perryman, accompanied by two 
of the lower chiefs arrived here; he informs me, that M'Queen, the 
chief mentioned in one of the enclosed letters, is, at present, one of 
the heads of the hostiles: that they are anxious for war, and have 
lately murdered a woman and two children. He likewise says, that 
he expects the news in George Perryman's letter, is true; for there 
are talks going through the towns, that the English are to be at Oko 
taking river in three months. 



» 



Extracts of a letter from David B. Mitchell, Indian agent to the Secreta 
ry of War, dated at Milledgeville, Georgia, March 30th, 1817. 

"By yesterday's mail, I received a letter from Mr. Timothy Bar 
nard, who resides at Flint River, in the Indian country, a considerabh 



[65] 



173 



distance below the agency, in which he observes, I have been informed 
two days past, from below, where the Red Stick class reside, that a 
party has been down near St. Mary's and murdered a woman and two 
children, and brought off some horses." "I will further state, that I 
have received information from other persons, at and near Fort 
Gaines, that a British agent is now among these hostile Indians, and 
that he has been sending insolent messages to the friendly Indians 
and white men settled above the Spanish line: he is also charged with 
stimulating the Indians to their present hostile aspect; but whether 
he is an acknowledged agent of any foreign power, or a mere adven- 
turer, I do not pretend to determine; but am dispos-d to believe him 
the latter." 



Extract of a letter from Gen. Gaines to the Secretaty of War, dated 
Camp Montgomery, M. T.Jlpril3d,18\T. 

U I received by the last mail, a letter from Archibald Clarke, Esq* 
intendant of the town of St. Marys, by which it appears that another 
outrage,of uncommon cruelty, has recently been perpetrated by a par- 
ty of Indians upon the southern frontier, near the boundary of Wayne 
county. They have massacred a woman, Mrs. Garret, and two of 
her children, the mother and eldest child were scalped; the house 
plundered and burnt. "j 



Extract of a letter from A. Culloh, to Genenal Gaines, written at Fort 

Gaines. 

" We are hourly told by every source of information, by the friend- 
ly Indians, by letters from William Hambly and Edmund Doyle, who re- 
side low down on the Appalachicola, that all the lower tribes of Indians 
have embodied, and are drying their meats to come on to the attack of this 
post. The British agent at Oakelockiness sound is giving presents to the 
Indians. We have among us Indians who have been down and received 
powder, lead, tomahawks, knives, and a drum for each town, with the royal 
coat of arms painted on it. We have at this time, at least five hundred 
Indians skulking in this neighborhood, within three or four miles of us, 
who will not act for themselves, and who are evidently waiting for the 
signal to strike an effectual blow. They have stolen almost every horse 
belonging to the citizens. They have scared them from the fields which 
they have cleared, and have taken possession of their houses. They are 
now stealing horses, cattle, and hogs from the Georgia lines; and have 
killed one or two families on the St. Tillas." 



!74 f 6 5] 

Extract of a l ^^G^lWnes to Major General Andrew Jack - 
son, dated fort Scott, Georgia, 2\st November, 18 IT. 

" The first bri-ade arrived at this place on the 19th instant T had 

previously sent an Indian runner, to notify the first town chief E-met 

mant-by of my arrival, and with a view to ascertain whet her his hostd.* 

temper had abated, requesting him to visit me. He replyed thit he had 

tluiTLl:/- C —^*^ -re, all hehatt d ;^a h od h h' 

" Among the articles found in the house of the cliief was a n,;«.i. 

eSt?RV SCarl f )wit . h apair of S° ld "Pa«Ietls,anJ ' e m ca a te V> h 

Nictls " shtin? h, 1 ; "fl""?* ," ', 0b ? rt mite ' in *« absence „ S. 

frie„d° to the BcSlsh e C '" ef IWd ahVa?S been a «™ «"■ faithful 

thaitw o thousand, besides '^e'waclfa^, in^l^tu^Xd 
men and mcreas.ng by runaways from Georgia* The^have been ,,r„ 
msed as several Indians informs me, assistant! from the En^sh^t lew 
Providence. Th.s promise, though made by Woodbine is relied „,i J 
most of the Seminole Indians, f have not a doubt but tlev will . P 



General Gaines to the Secretary of War— with a Talk. 

No. 51. a. 

SIR He(Ul qmTtcrS ; Fort Scott > CGeo.J December 2d, 18ir. 

of the^OctE *° ^ ^ ** 26th Ultim °> ^ our communication 

the hostility of these Indians TsanrL . °- W ^ conv ; nced > that 

j yi uicse iiiiuans is, and has lona; since been of so Avon o 

to retalfate for ™*T C * Slg " T al . P roof of our * bilit J and willWnS 
»fml» S^^SK^ oSed, 






r«] 



aivl which leaves no doubt of the necp^i'fv «f 

of force, and active measures on our pa - J A U ,mm€d ? ate ^plication 
Indians, on the 30th ult formec Ian Imhr t i ar§e P art ^ of Seminole 
ver,amile below the junXn of £ Fi w "Tn, the Apalachicola ri- 
ed one of our boats ascending near ft J ^ ^ ^^houchie, attack- 
took the greater part of : the detachment t ' I ** k i" ed ' WOUnded > an <* 
fd by It. fe. W. Scott, of the ft „fa rv C °" S , ,stm S ot 40 ™»> command- 
led or taken, seven women the wfvl ^f \T Wer( ;. aIso ™ b °ard, kil- 
tachment onl v escaned W J I k ° f soidiers - S ix men of the de~ 

the strength ZfiS^ni^ZZrfT^'A ^ ^ that 
to keep his boat near the "shore ZttL T i Ck ^ obliged the lieut. 
banks of the river, and were nnt'd ill i^mIT ^ formed alon S the 
in the first volley of whfch Sen Sl¥ thdr >. had com '^nced, 

The lieutenant and i ; partv had In ? ^° St 7- Iuable men ¥ f ' 

before, to assist majo? MuhffbS Z? *T ^ P ' aCe SOme da ^ s 
sels laden with military stores brlu ih f IT ?f *? nVer with three ves " 
The major instead of Tetainino- tK S / + Montgomery and Mobile— 
(see enclosure No 2) re^^wl^t^^ ^ ™ 1 had advised > 
a like number of sick with V J ?**> and m their P ,a ce put 

The boat thus lain tsttactl^ 

- tS^ht^^e^eVof : n he dj;: ? P\^i W S 

place in this quart™. It apnea,' how7v TT *»&**« h ™S taken 
received about'the hour n wnffi i^M^*?* ?**> ^ 
that he had been warned nf th* Vi,„ ? at T acked ' ( se e enclosure No. 3) 
I had two PoatTfiTte^^^ !"*«** Ms ^ 

tached captain Clinch wtth £^mE2£^J&»1 ""* ^ 
the movement of lieut. Scott, and then to %£t^£3*j£ SGCU1 ' e 

Phis detachment embarked in the evening of Z J 1 ^' 1 
passed the scene of action r^I«J " ,e . evemn S ot tneoOth, and must have 

terminated. I have not ve I iL f S ' ^ W ^° Urs after the affa ^ 

tyS keeping near the middle of ^thp^! t 1 7 l erefore move »P with safe- 
with my principal foree it th^ 1 '^ ^ ni -° re0Ver take a P ositi « n 

be ow the point of attarl- or u *• warnois, at (Jiiierei.t ulaces 

yards along the shorp in tk« J/? V ■ consideiable » extending about 150 
sured by the friendTv c Vf thffiu . a !? mp ° r thiek wo6ds ' I ™ as- 

reached Tern. ^ aCC ° UUt ° f m 7 ^ment from the Alabama 

^lieSetdrdrspose'd 6111 ^^ fT ^ Chatahoo ^ie, I have reason to 
well disposed. One of the new settlers, however, has recent- 



1*6 [65] 

]y been killed; but it has been clearly proved, that the murderer had be- 
longed to the hostile party. The friendly chiefs in the neighborhood, 
when apprised of the murder, assembled a party, and sent in pursuit eft 
the offender, and followed him to the Flint river, on the route to Micka- 
suky, whither he escaped. Onishajo, and several other friendly chiefs, 
have offered me their services, with their warriors to go against the bemi- 
noles. I have promised to give them notice of the time that may be fixed 
for my departure, and then to accept their services. . The enclosure, No. 
1 contains the substance of what I have said to the chiefs who have visited 
me; several of whom reside south of the Spanish line and west of Apa- 
lachicola river. It was expected by the chiefs, that I should communi- 
cate to them my views and wishes. I felt authorised to say but little, and 
I deemed it necessary, in what I should say, to endeavor to counteract the 
erroneous impressions by which they have been misled by pretended Bri- 
tish ajrents. . . 

1 hope the President will see, in what I have said, nothing to disap- 
prove. I feel persuaded a report of the various talks which I received 
from the chiefs, would shew the propriety of what I h'ave said to them.— 
Such a report, I have not a moment's time now to make. The Indians 
are at this moment firing at our camp from the opposite line of the river. 

I have the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant, 

(Signed) EDMUND P. GAINES, 

Major Gen. Commanding. 



Talk enclosed in 51. a. (No. \.) 



Chiefs and Warriors, 

The President of the United States has been informed of the murders 
and thefts committed by the hostile Indians, in this part of the country. 
He has authorized general Jackson to arrest the offenders, and cause jus- 
tice to be done. The Indians have been required to deliver up the mur- 
derers of our citizens, and the stolen property; but they refused to deliv- 
er either They have had a council at Mickasukee, m which, they have 
determined upon war. They have been at war against helpless women 
and children; let them now calculate upon fighting men. W e have long 
known that we had enemies east of this river; we likewise know we 
have some friends; but they are so mixed together, we cannot always dis- 
tinguish the one from the other. The President wishing to do justise to 
hissed friends and children, has given orders for the bad to be separated 
from the <>-ood. Those who have taken up arms against him, and such as 
have listened to the bad talks of the people beyond the sea, must go 
to Mickasukee, Suwaney, where we wish to find them together. But all 
those who were our friends in the war, will sit still at their homes, in 
peace. We will pay them for what corn and meat they have to sell us. 
We will be their friends, and when they are hungry, we will give them >e 
meat. The hostile party pretend to calculate upon help from the Britisn. 



[65] iff 

as well look for soldiers from the moon, to help them. Their warriors 
were beaten and driven from our country, by American troops. The En! 
fe ?**Mf to help themselves; how'then should the/help he old 
Red Sticks,' whom they have ruined by pretended friendship? 



No. 51. b. (No. 2.) 
General Gaines to major Muhlenberg. 

Fort Scott, November, 1817. 
slR ; 

The waters having risen sufficiently high to enable you to ascend 
the nver with aU the vessels, I wish you to do so, though it should fake 
longer than I had anticipated. You can avail yourself of the aid of lieu- 
tenant &cott S detachment to expedite your movement hither. Keen 
your vessels near to each other; and should you meet any insuper- 
able obstacle, endeavour to apprise me thereof, and you shall have addi- 
tional relief. Wishing to see you soon, with your fleet, 

I remain with great regard, your obedient servant, 

(Signed) E. P. GAINES. 

To major Muhlenberg, 
Comdg. the U. S. troops, 
ascending Jlppalachicola river.. 




SIR, 



No. 51. c. (No. 3.) 
Lieutenant Scott, to general Gaines. 

Spanish Bluff, 28th November, 1817". 



Enclosed you will receive major Muhlenberg's communication, which 
fie directs me to forward to you by express, from this place. Mr. Ham- 

! 23 



178 [6*3 

My informs me, that Indians are assembling at the junction of the 
river, where they intend to make a stand against those vessels, coming 
up the river. Should this be the case, I am not able to make a stand 
against them. My command does not exceed forty men, and one halt 
sick, and without arms. I leave this immediately. 

I am, respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

(Signed) R.W.SCOTT, 

Lieut. 7lh Infantry Comdg. detachment. 

Note. The bearer of this is entitled to three dollars, on delivering 
this letter. The Indians have a report here, the Indians have beaten the 
white people. 



No. 51c— d. 



General Gaines to Captain Clinch. 

Head Quarters, Fort Scott, 

November 30, 1817. 

sirc,. 

You will embark with the party assigned you, on board the two 
covered boats; descend the river until you meet with lieutenant Scott; 
deliver to him a cover for his boat, and give him such assistance as in 
your judgment shall be necessary to secure his party, and expedite his 
movement to this place. You will then proceed with the residue of your 
command down the river, until you meet with major Muhlenberg, report 
to him, and act under his orders. You will in no case put your command 
in the power of the Indians near the shore. Be constantly on the alert, 
remember that United States' troops can never be surprised by Indians, 
without a loss of honor, to say nothing of the loss of strength, that might 
ensue. 
To Captain Clinch, 7th Infantry. 



[65] 



179 



No. 52. 

General Jackson to the Secretary of War* 

Head Quarters, Division of the South, I 

Bowleg's Toivn, Suwaney river*, 

20th April, 1818. 

SIR, 

My last communication, dated camp before St. Marks, 8th April* 
and those to which it referred, advised you of my movements and op- 
erations up to that date, and as I then advised you, I marched from that 
place on the morning of the 9th. On the evening of the 10th, I was join- 
ed by the rear of the Tennessee volunteers; also by the Indians under 
general M'lntosh, whom I had left at Mukasuky, to scour the countrv 
around that place. Although the weather has been dry and pleasant, and 
the waters had subsided in a great degree, our march might be said to 
have been through water, which kept the infantry wet to the middle, and 
the depth of the swamps, added to the want of forage, occasioned the 
horses to give out daily in great numbers. On the morning of the 12th, 
near Econfinnah, or natural bridge, a party of Indians were discovered 
on the margin of a swamp, and attacked by genera! i'lntoshand about 
50Tennessee volunteers, who routed them, killing 87 warriors, and cap- 
turing six men, and ninety-seven women and children; also recapturing 
a white woman who had been taken at the massacre of Scott. The 
friendly Indians also took some horses, and about 500 head of cattle from 
the enemy, who proved to beM'Queeirs party. Upon the application of 
an old woman of the prisoners, 1 agreed that if M'Queen was tied and 
carried to the commandant at St. Marks, her people should be received 
in peace; carried to the upper tribes of the Creek nation, and there pro- 
visioned until they could raise their own crops. She appeared much 
pleased with those terms, and 1 set her at liberty with written instruc- 
tions to the commandant of St. Marks to that effect. Having received 
no farther intelligence from M'Queen, I am induced to believe the old 
woman has complied with her part ot the obligation. 

From St. Marks, I marched with 8 days rations, those that joined 
me having but five; this was done under the expectation of reaching this 
place in that time, founded on the report of my faithful Indian guide, 
which I should have accomplished, but for the poverty of my horses, and 
the continued sheets of water through which we had to pass. On the 
morning of the 15th, my scouts overtook a small party of Indians, killing 
one man, and capturing the residue, consisting of one man and woman, 
and two children, and on that evening I encamped, as my guide suppos- 
ed, within 12 miles of Suwaney. I marched very early on the 16th, un- 
der the hope of being able to encompass and attack the Indian and negro 
towns by one o'clock P. M. but much to my regret, at 3 o'clock, and af- 
ter marching 10 miles, we reached a remarkable pond which my guide 
recollected, and reported to be distant six miles from the object of my 



180 [65] 

march; here I should have halted for the night, had not six mounted In- 
dians, (supposed to be spies) who were discovered, effected their es- 
cape; this determined me to attempt by a forced movement, to prevent 
the removal of their effects, and, if possible, themselves from crossing the 
river, for my rations being out, it was all important to secure their sup- 
plies for the subsistence of my troops. Accordingly, my lines of attack 
were instantly formed and put in motion, and about sunset, my left flank 
column, composed of the second regiment of Tennessee volunteers, com- 
manded by col. Williamson, and a part of the friendly Indians under col. 
Kanard, having approached the left flank of the centre town, and com- 
menced their attack, caused me to quicken the pace of the centre, com- 
posed of the regulars, Georgia militia, and my volunteer Kentucky and 
Tennessee guards, in order to press the enemy in his centre, whilst the 
right column, composed of the 1st regiment of Tennessee volunteers, 
under col. Dyer, and a part of the friendly Indians, headed by general 
M'Intosh, who had preceded me, were endeavoring to turn his left, and 
cut oft' his retreat to the river; they however, having been previously in- 
formed of our force, by a precipitate retreat soon crossed the river, where 
it is believed col. Kanard, with his Indians, did them considerable injury . 
Nine negroes and two Indians were found dead, and two negro men 
made prisoners. 

On the 17th, foraging parties were sent out, who found a considera- 
ble quantity of corn, and some cattle, The 18th, having obtained some 
smali craft, I ordered general Gaines across the river with a strong de- 
tachment, aud two days provision, to pursue the enemy; the precipitancy 
of their flight, was soon discovered by the great quantity of goods, corn, 
&c. strewed through the swamps, and convinced general Gaines that pur- 
suit was in vain, nine Indians and five negro prisoners were taken by 
our Indians; the evidence of haste with which the enemy had fled, induc- 
ed the general to confine his reconnoisance to search for cattle and horses, 
both of which were much wanted by the army. About 30 head of cattle 
were procured; but from the reports accompanying general Gaines, 
which will in due time be forwarded to you, and the disobedience of his 
orders, by the Indians, not one pound was brought into camp. 

As soon as time will permit, I shall forward a detailed account of 
the various little affairs with the enemy, accompanied with reports of the 
commanding officers of the detachment. Suffice it for the present, to add- 
that every officer and soldier under my command, when danger appeared, 
shewed a steady firmness which convinced me that in the event of a stub- 
born conflict, they would have realized the best hopes of their country and 
general. 

I believe I may say that the destruction of this place with the posses- 
sion of St. Marks, having on the night of the 18th captured the late lieu- 
tenant Armbrister, of the British marine corps, and, as represented "by Ar- 
buthnott, successor to Woodbine, will end the Indian war, for the pre- 
sent, and should it be renewed, the position taken, which ought to be held, 
wiii enable a small party to put it down promptly. 

1 shall order, or take myself a reconnoisance, west of the Appalachi- 
cola, at Pensacola point, where i am informed, there are a few Red Sticks 
assembled, who are fed and supported by the governor of Pensacola. My 
health being impaired, as soon as this duty is performed, the positions 
taken, well garrisoned, and security giveu to the southern frontiers, (if 



£65] 



181 



the government have not active employment forme) I shall return to 
Nashville to regain my health. The health of the troops is much 
impaired, and I have ordered the Georgia troops to Hartford, to be must- 
tered, paid, and discharged; the general having communicated his wishes, 
and that of his troops, to be ordered directly there, and reporting that they 
have a plenty of corn and beef, to subsist them to that point, I have 
written to the governor of Georgia, to obtain from the state, the necessa- 
ry funds, to pay general Glascock's brigade when discharged, and that the 
government will promptly refund it. I am compelled to this mode to 
have them promptly paid, Mr. Hogan, the paymaster of the 7th infantry 
(for whom, I received from Mr. Brent, an enclosure, said to contain 
$ 50,000) not having reached me. 

From the information received from Armbrister, and a Mr. Cook, 
who was captured with him, that A. Acbuthnott's schooner was at the 
mouth of this river, preparing to sail for the bay of Tamper, my aid- 
de-camp, lieutenant Gadsden, volunteered his services with a small de- 
tachment to descend the river and capture her; the importance of this 
vessel to transport my sick to St. Marks, as well as to destroy the means 
used by the enemy, induced me to grant his request; he sailed yesterday, 
and I expected to have heard from him this morning. I only await his re- 
port to take up the line of march on my return for St. Marks; the Georgia 
brigade, by whom I send this, being about to march, compels me to close 
it without the report of lieutenant Gadsden. 

I have the honor to be, 

Very respectfully, 

Your most obed't. serv't. 

andrew j ac s son: 

Jlaj. Gen, eumwyt nil I 
TJie Hon. John C. Calhoun, 

Department of War. 



No. 53. 

General Jackson to the Secretary of War, 

Head Quarters, Division of the South j 
Fort St. Marks, 26th April, 1S18. 
SIR, 

I wrote you from Bowlegs' Town on the 20th instant. On the 
night of the same day, I received the expected despatch from my aid- 



182 [65] 

de camp, lieutenant Gadsden, communicating the success of his ex- 
pedition; and on the next day, a-- soon as the sick of n^y army were 
despatched down the Suwaney river, to be Conveyed in the captured 
schooner to St. Marks, 1 took up the line of match tor that fort. I arrived 
at this place last evening, performing a march of 107 miles in less than 
five days. Lieutenant Gadsden had reached it a few hours before 
me. He communicates having found, among the papers of Arbuth- 
nott, Armbristtr, and Cook, letters, memorials, &c &c. all pointing 
out the instigators of this savage war, and, in some measure, involv- 
ing the British government in the agency. These will be forwarded 
you in a detailed report, I purpose communicating to you as early as 
practicable. 

The old woman, spoken of in my last communication to you, 
who promised to use her influence in having M'Queen captured and 
delivered up, has not been heard of. From signs discovered on the 
opposite shore of the St. Marks' river, I am induced to believe, that 
thf Indian party is still in this neighborhood. A detachment will be 
sent cut to reconnoitre the country, to receive them as friends, if dis- 
posed to surrender, or inflict merited chastisement, if stil) hostile 

I shall leave this in two or three days for fort Gadsden, and after 
making all necessary arrangements for the security ot the positions 
occupied, and detaching a force to scour the country west of the Ap- 
palachicola, I shall proceed direct for Nashville. My presence in this 
country can no longer be necessary. The Indian forces have been 
divided and scattered, cut off from all communication with those un- 
principled agents of foreign nations, who had deluded them to their 
ruin. They have not the power, if the will remains, of again annoy- 
ing our frontier. 

I remain, Sec. &c. 

(Signed) ANDREW JACKSON. 



No. 5i. 

Gen. Jac&son to the Secretary of War. 

Head Quarters, Division of the fSoittk^ 

Fort Gadsden, oth May. 1818. 

S^R; « 

I returned to this post with my army on the evening of 
the 2d instant, and embrace an early opportunity of furnishing you a 



L65J 



183 



detailed report of my operations to the east of the Apalachacola river. 
In the several communications addressed you from Hartford. Fort 
Scott, and this place, [ have stated the condition of the army on my as- 
suming the immediate command; the embarrassment occasioned from 
the want of provisions; the privations of my troops on their march 
from the frontiers of Georgia; and the circumstances which compelled 
me to move directly down the Apalachacola river, to meet with and 
protect the expected supplies from New Orleans. These were re- 
ceived on the 25th March, and on the next day I was prepared for 
active operations. For a detailed account of my movements from, 
that period to this day, you are respectfully referred to the report 
prepared by my adjutant general, accompanied with captain Hugh 
Youngs' topographical sketch of the route and distance performed. 
This has been principally a war of movements: The enemy cut off 
from their strong holds, or deceived in the promised foreign aid, have 
uniformly avoided a general engagement. Their resistance has ge- 
nerally been feeble; and in the partial rencountres, into whiah they 
seem to have been involuntarily forced, the regulars, volunteers, 
and militia, under my command, realized my expectations; every 
privation, fatigue and exposure, was encountered with the spirit of 
soldiers, and clanger was met with a degree of fortitude calculated to 
strengthen the confidence I had reposed in them. 

On the commencement of my operations, 1 was strongly impress- 
ed with a belief that this Indian war had been excited by some un- 
principled foreign, or private agents. The outlaws of the old Red 
Stick party had been too severely convinced, and the Seminoles were 
too weak in numbers to believe, that they could possibly, alone, main- 
tain a war with even partial success against the United States. Firm- 
ly convinced, therefore, that succor had been promised from some 
quarter or that they had been deluded into a belief that America dare 
not violate the neutrality of Spain, by penetrating to their towns, I 
early determined to ascertain these facts, and so direct my move- 
ments, as to undeceive the Indians. After the destruction of the 
Mekasukian villages, I marched direct for St. Marks: The corres- 
pondence between myself gnd the Spanish commandant, in which I 
demanded the occupancy of that fortress with an American garrison, 
accompanies this. It had been reported to me, direct from the go- 
vernor of Pensacola, that the Indians and negr >es, unfriendly to the 
United States, had demanded of the commandant of St. Marks a sup- 
ply of ammunition, munitions of war, &c. threatening in the event of 
a noncompliance to take possession of the fort. The Spanish com- 
mandant acknowledged the defenceless state of his fortress, and his 
inability to defend it; and the governor of Pensacola expressed simi- 
lar apprehensions The Spanish agents throughout the Floridas had 
uniformlV disavowed having any connexion with the Indians, and 
acknowledged the obligations of his catholic majesty, under existing 
treaties, to restrain their outrages against the citizens of the United 
States. Indeed they declared that the Seminole Indians were viewe4 



184 [65] 

as alike hostile to the Spanish government, and that the will remain-* 
ed, though the power was wanting, to inflict merited chastisement on 
this lawless tribe. It was therefore to be supposed, that the Ameri- 
can army, impelled by the immutable laws of self defence, to penetrate 
the territory of his catholic majesty, to fight his bat les, and even to 
relieve from a cruel bondage, some of his own suhjects, would have 
been received as allies, hailed as deliverers, and every facility afford- 
ed to them to terminate speedily and ruccessfully this savage war. 
Fort St. Marks could not be maintained by the Spanish force garri- 
soning it. The Indians and negroes viewed it as an asylum, if driven 
from their towns, and were preparing to occupy it in this event. It 
was necessary to anticipate their atonements, independent of the po- 
sition being deemed essential as a depot, on which the success of my 
future operations measurably depended. In the spirit of friendship, 
therefore, I demanded i-s surrender to the army of the United States 
until the close of the Seminole war. The Spanish commandant re- 
quired time to reflect; it was granted; a negotiotion ensued, and an 
tffort made to protract it to an unreasonable length. In the conver- 
sations between my aid de-camp, It. Gadsden, and the Spanish com- 
mandant, circumstances transpired, convicting him of a disposition 
to favor the Indians, and of having taken an active part in aiding and 
abetting them in this war. I hesitated, therefore, no longer, and as 
I could not be received in friendship, I entered the fort by violence. 
Two light companies of the 7th regiment infantry, and one of the 4th, 
under the command of major Twiggs, was ordered to advance, lower 
the Spanish colors, and hoist the star spangled banner, on the ramparts 
of fort St. Marks. The order was executed promptly, no resistance 
attempted on the part of the Spanish garrison. The duplicity of the 
Spanish commandant of St, Marks, in professing friendship towards 
the United States, while he was actually aiding and supplying her 
savage enemies.; throwing open the gates of his garrison to their free 
access; appropriating the king's stores to their use, issuing ammuni- 
tion and munitions of war to them; and knowingly purchasing of them 
property plundered from the citizens of the United States, is clearly 
evinced by the documents accompanying my correspondence. In 
fort St. Mar l :s, as an inmate in the family of the Spanish command- 
ant, an Englishman, by the name ct Arbuthnott, was found; unable 
satisfactorily to explain the objects of his visiting this country, and 
there being a combination of circumstances to justify asuspcion that 
his views were not honest, he was ordered in clos" confinement. The 
capture of his schooner, near the mouth of Suwany river, by my aid- 
de-camp, Mr. Gadsden, and the papers found on board, ui veiled his 
corrupt transactions, as well as those of a captain Armbrister, late of 
the British colonial marine corps, taken as a prisoner near Bowlegs 
town. Those intlividuals were tried, under my orders, by a special 
court of select officers; legally convicted as exciters of this savage 
and negro war, legally condemned, and most justly punished for their 
iniquities. The proceedings of the court martial in this case, with 



[6 5] 



185 



the volume of testimony, justifying their condemnation, presents scenes 
of wickedness, corruption, and barbarity, at which the heart sickens, 
and in which, in this enlightened age, it ought not scarcely to be be- 
lieved that a christian nation would have participated; and yet the 
British government is involved in the agency. If Arbuthnott and 
Armbrister, are not convicted as the authorized agents of Great Bri- 
tain, there is no room to doubt, but that that government had a know- 
ledge of their assumed character, and was well advised of the mea- 
sures which they had adopted to excite the negroes and Indians In 
East Florida, to war against the United States. I hope the execu- 
tion of these two unprincipled villains will prove an awful example to 
the world, and convince the government of Great Britain, as well as 
her subjects, that certain, if slow, retribution awaits these unchristian 
wretches, who, by false promises, delude and excite an Indian tribe 
to all the horrid deeds of savage war. 

Previous to my leaving fort Gadsden, I had occasion to address a 
communication to the governor of Pensacola, on the subject of permit- 
ting supplies to pass up the Escambia river to fort Crawford. This letter, 
with a seccnd from St. Marks, on the subject of some United States 
cloathiuo;, shipped in a vessel in the employ of the Spanish government, 
to that post, 1 now enclose with his reply. The governor of Pensacola 9 s 
refusal of my demand, cannot but be viewed as evincing an hostile feel- 
ing on his part, particularly in connexion with some circumstances re- 
ported to me from the most unquestionable authority. It has been stated, 
that the Indians at war with the United States, have free access into 
Pensacola; that they are kept advised from that quarter of all our move- 
ments; that they are supplied from thence with ammunition and muni- 
nitions of war, and that they are now collecting in large bodies to the 
amount of 4 or 500 warriors in that city. That inroads from thence have 
lately been made on the Alabama, in one of which 18 settlers fell by the 
Tomahawk. These statements compel me to make a movement to the 
west of the Apalachicola, and should they prove correct, Pensacola must 
be occupied with an American force, the governor treated according to 
his deserts, or as policy may dictate. I shall leave strong garrisons m 
fort St. Marks, fort Gadsden, and fort Scott; and in Pensacola, should it 
become necessary to possess it. 

It becomes my duty to state it as my confirmed opinion, that so long- 
as Spain has not the power, or will, to enforce the treaties by which she 
is solemnly bound to preserve the Indians within her territory at peace 
with the United States, no security can be given to our southern frontier 
without occupying a cordon of posts along the sea shore. The moment the 
American army returns from Florida, the war hatchet will be again raised, 
and the same scenes of indiscriminate murder, with which our frontier 
settlers have been visited, will be repeated. So long as the Indians with- 
in the territory of Spain are exposed to the delusions of false prophets, 
and " 
tior 
ants, 

towns, the destroying of their stock and pr< 

porary embarrassments; resupplied bv Spanish authorities, they may con- 
24 




186 [65] 

centrale or dispose at will, and keep up a lasting predatory warfare 
against the frontiers of the United States, as expensive as harrassing to 
her troops. The stowages therefore must be made dependent on us, and 
cannot be kept at peace without being persuaded of the certainty of chas- 
tisement being inflicted on the commission of the first oflence. 

I truSt therefore that the measures which have been pursued will 
meet the approbation of the President of the United States. They have 
been adopted in pursuance of your instructions, under a firm conviction 
that they alone were calculated to insure "peace and security to the 
southern frontier of Georgia." 

The army will move on the 7th from hence, crossing the Apalacha- 
cola river at the Ochesee bluff, about 30 miles above. 

With respect, your most obedient servant; 

ANDREW JACKSON, 
Major Gen. Commanding- 
The Honorable John C. Calhoun, 

Secretary of War, Washington City. 



No. 55. 

General Jackson to the Secretary of War, 

Head Quarters, Division of the South, 
Fort Montgomery, June 2d, 1818. 

In a communication to you of the 5th of May, I detailed at 
length the operations of my army tip to that period. Leaving a strong 
garrison of regulars in forts Scott and Gadsden, I resumed my march, 
with a small detachment of the 4th regiment of infantry, one company 
of artillery, and the effectives of the Tennessee volunteers, the whole 
not exceeding twelve hundred men, to fulfil my intentions, communi- 
cated to you, of scouring the country west of the Apalachicola river. 
On the 10th of May, mv army crossed that river at the Ochesee vil- 
lage, and after a fatiguing, tedious, and circuitous march of 12 days, 
misled by the ignorance of our pilots, and exposed to the severest of 
privations, we finally reached and effected a passage over the Escam- 
bia. On my march, on the 23d of May, a protest from the governor 
of Pensacola was delivered me by a Spanish officer, remonstrating, in 
warm terms, against my proceedings, a; d ordering me and my forces 
instantly to quit the territory of his catholic majesty, with a threat* to 



[65] 



187 



apply force, in the event of a non-compliance. This was so open an 
indication of a hostile feeling on his part, after having been early and 
well advised of the object of my operations, that I hesitated no longer 
on the measures to be adopted. I marched for, and entered Pensaco- 
la, with only the show of resistance, on the 2ith of May. The govern- 
or had previously (led to Fort Carlos de Barrancas, where it was said 
he had resolved upon a most desperate resistance. A correspondence 
ensued between us, accompanying thisj marked A, detailing at length 
my motives for wishing, and demanding, that Pensacola and its depen- 
dencies be occupied with an American garrison. The package, marked 
B, are documents substantiating the charges, in part, against the con- 
duct of the Spanish governor, having knowingly and willingly admitted 
the savage3, avowedly hostile to the United States, within the town of 
Pensacola. The peaceable surrender of the fort at the Barrancas 
was denied. I marched for, aad invested it, on the evening of the 
25th of May, and on the same night, pushed reconnoitering parties 
under its very guns. On the morning of the 26th, a military recon- 
noisance was taken; and on the same night, a lodgment was made, 
under a fire from the Spanish garrison, by captain Gadsden, of the 
engineers, aided by captains Call, and Young, on a commanding po- 
sition, within three hundred and eighty five yards of the Spanish 
work, and a nine pounder mounted. A howitzer battery was simul- 
taneously established on the capitol, and within seven hundred and 
sixty yards of the fort, at day light on the 27th. The Spanish garri- 
son opened their artillery on our batteries; a parley was sounded, a 
flag sent in, and the surrender of Fort Carlos de Barrancas again de- 
manded; the favorable positions obtained were pointed out, and the 
inutility of resistance urged. Anxious to avoid an open contest, and 
to save the effusion ol blood, the same terms previously offered, were 
again tendered. They were rejected, and offensive operations re- 
commenced, A spirited and well directed fire was kept up the great- 
er part of the morning, and at intervals during the afternoon, in the 
evening, a flag was sent from the Spanish commandant, OfTei ing to 
capitulate, and a suspension of hostilities was granted, until 8 o'clock 
next day, when the enclosed articles of capitulation, marked C, were 
signed and agreed to. The terms are more favorable than a con- 
quered enemy would have merited; but, under the peculiar circum- 
stnnces of the case, my object obtained, there was no motive for 
wounding the feelings of those, whose military pride or honor had 
prompted to the resistance made. The articles, with but one condi- 
tion, amount to a complete cession to the United States, of that por- 
tion of the Floridas hitherto under the government of Don Jose 
Masot. 

The arrangements which I have made to secure Pensacola, and its 
dependencies, are contained in the general orders, and marked D. J 
deemed it most advisable to retain for the present, the same government 
to which the people had been accustomed, until such time as the executive 
<(F $he United States may ojder otherwise. It was necessary however, to 



188 [65] 

■ establish the revenue laws of the United States, to check the smuggling 
which had been carried on successfully in this quarter, for many years 
pnft, and to admit, the American merchant to an equal participation in a 
trade, which would have been denied under the partial operations of the 
Spanish commercial code. Captain Gadsden was appointed by me col- 
lector, and he has organized and left the department in the charge of ofti- 
cers,, on whom (lie greatest confidence maybe reposed. 

Though the Seminole Indians have been scattered, and literally so 
divided and reduced, as no longer to be viewed as a formidable enemy; 
yet as there are still many small marauding parties, supposed to be conceal- 
ed in the swam; s of the Perdido, Choctawhatchey, and Chapouley, who 
migljt make occasional and sudden inroads on our frontier settlers, mas- 
sacre ing women and children, I have deemed it advisable to call into 
service for six months, if not sooner discharged, two companies of volun- 
teer rangers, under captains M'Gird and Boyles, with instructions to 
scour tin- country between the Mobile and Appalachicola rivers, exter- 
minating every hostile party. who, dare resist, or will not surrender, and 
move with their families above the 31st degree of latitude. 

The Seminole war may now be considered as at a close, tran- 
quillity again restored to the souther:: frontier of the United States, and 
a;, long as a cordon of military posts is maintained along the Gulf of 
Mexico, ' mericahas nothing to apprehend from either foreign or Indian 
hostilities* Indeed sir, to attempt to fortify, or protect an imaginary line, 
«::• to su'\ j ose that a frontier on the Slst degree of latitude, in a wiider- 
• can be secured by a cordon of military posts, while the Floridas lay 
open to an enemy, is visionary in the extreme. 

Under 'his firm belief, I have bottomed all my operations. Spain 
had disregarded the treaties existing with the American government, or 
had not power to enforce them. The Indian tribes within her territory, 

which she was bound to keep at peace, had visited our citizens with 
a.ll the horrors of. savage war; negro brigands were establishing them- 
selves, when and where they pleased; and foreign agents were openly 
and knoy inglj practising their intrigues in this neutral territory. 

The immutable principles therefore of self defence, justified the oc- 
cupancy of the Floridas, and the same principles will warrant the Ameri- 
can government in holding it, until such time as Spain can guarantee by 
'an anequate military force, the maintaining her authority within the 
colony. 

A topographical sketch of the country, from the Apalachacola to 
Pcnsacola, accompanies this. Captain Young will prepare, as soon as 
practicable, a topographical memoir of that part of the Floridas, in which 
.my army has operated, with a map of the country. 

Captain Gadsden is instructed to prepare a report on the neces- 
sary defences ofthe country, as far as the military reconnoisance he has 
taken will permit; accompanied with plans of existing works, what 
additions or improvements are necessary, and what new works should, 
in his opinion, be erected to give permanent security to this impor- 
tant territorial addition to our republic. 

As soon as this report is prepared, captain G. will receive orders 
!c repair to Washington City, with some other documents which I 
5m ay wish to confide to his charge. 



[65] 



189 



At the close of a campaign which has terminated so honorably, 
and happily, it gives me pleasure to express my approbation general- 
ly of the officers and soldiers of every species of corps, which I have 
had the honor to command. The patience with which they endured 
fatigue, and submitted to privations, and the determination with 
which they encountered, and vanquished every difficulty, is the 
strongest indication of the existence of that patriotic feeling, which no 
circumstances can change, and of that irresist.ble ardour in the de- 
fence of his country, which will prove her strength and bulwark un- 
der any experience. I should do violence to my feelings, it I did 
not particularly notice the exertions of my quartermaster general, 
colonel George Gibson, who, under the most embarrassing circum- 
stances, relieved the necessities of my army, and to whose exertions, 
was I indebted for the supplies received. His zeal and integrity, in 
this campaign, as well as in the uniform discharge of his duties since 
his connexion with my staff, merits the approbation and gratitude of 

his country. 

With respect, 

Your most obedient servant, 
(Signed) ANDREW JACKSON, 

Maj. Gen. commanding. 

The Hon. J. C. 'Calhoun, 
Secretary of War. 



No. 56. 
Thomas Wayne, esquire, to B. Homans, esquire. 

Extract of a letter from Thomas Wayne, esquire, purser on board the 
' United States' brig Saranac, dated St. Mary's River, September 
27, 1817, to Benjamin Homans. 

« On our arrival here, we found general M'Gregor in command 
of Amelia Island. A few days afterwards, he decamped, and embark- 
ed on board the privateer M'Gregor, formerly the St. Joseph." 

" The noted Woodbine, of infamous memory, arrived here 
from Nassau, with a view, as was said, to join the patriots; but his 
friend, M'Gregor, having left the cause, he was disappointed, and 
embarked with M'Gregor, who sailed a few days since, for Nassau, 
to commence some new expedition, which, it is generally supposed, 



150 tesl 

will be to the bay of Espirrto Santo, or bav of Tampa in latitude »« 

ThfsTs 8 " SST T "' tf l0Dg,tUde 76 ***£%> -i^es weft 
I his ,s *n .xtensive bay and capable of admitting ships of anv size 

£S£ "2£ *" * *? ***** h EaSt ^.^1* ^1 

He savs he hJ; ™ g ? l ,,m l by , Vir , tUe ° f a * rant from the I^ians. 
He says he has surveyed the whole of the Gulf of Mexico and Tam 

pa bay ,s the only place into which large ships caji enter » - 



No. 57. «. 

Extracts from Message, 26th March, 1818. P«^ s 7, 9, 10, 1£. 

«? teacts of a letter to the Secretary of State, dated Dec. 24, 1817. (p. 10.; 

tion of^s^p&^ -ch infonna- 

the United States." "They sailed frfm Ami V V ° odbin f ' & i^ P ers ™ » 
ny with a schooner belonging to WoodbTn^ h h*'" be P* em ^ j n com P a ' 
after they had got to sea^enerai M#™ >T g °, n b ° ard * Some time 

the sooner ^Wo^^ * «"-. 

^nds'lITa^ 

and funds inNeVMSS^id^h^il^l 6 ' C ° Uld find f,iends 
been disbanded there, that thev w old ntlf B " t,8h re * ,ment had IateI T 
possible, and with UitSSS nd withers thJ^nTl" 7 ?> f ^ ^^ * 
a tolerable force. They were then to sail ft 7t *»***' W ° Uld make 
to the northwestward of Cape Florida wh/l J"" 1 * *■* * fine harh( * 
1500 Indians, already engaged to WoJdbinP , "7 ^ *> i° ined b * 
that point, they are tin ^r^^'J^^^^ m 



No. 57. b. 

ig, en- 



Instructionsfor sailing in Tampa Bay, in M Gregorys handwrUin 
closed in the letter, of December 24, 1817. 

to. u32fi£^^ ca"ed Espiritu San- 

day of May, 1818 . ThereTttS h J ^, ,atter «» d of April, or first 
having five fathom water L^^T ^ *? T thermmst bar is best, 
a smafl sandy key tewl 2 no^rh i^°^ *tyfr g T* ^ There is 
sandy key there > will tea L*L* T t — ^ channe1 ' u P on this 
answied J by £ S^^iSfi $ 11^ "^ * 



[65] 



191 



No. 57, £. 



Extracts of a letter to a gentleman in the District of Columbia. (Mes- 
sage, p. T.J 

Baltimore, 30th July, 1817. 

Allow me now to relate in detail the particulars of my intercourse witU 
general M'Gregor, whilst in this city, in regard to his objects. He declar- 
ed his object to be, in the first place, to take possession of Amelia. — 
Thence to wrest the Floridas from Spain, when he should immediately 
call on the inhabitants, by proclamation, to designate some of their most 
respectable fellow-citizens to form a constitution on the model of some of 
the adjoining states. That so far as it might depend on him, he would en- 
courage the existing disposition of the people in that section, to confede- 
rate with the United States; leaving it to the will and policy of this (our) 
government, and to political circumstances, as they might arise, to indi- 
cate the most favorable time for their admission into the Union. 



No. 57. d. 

From Q. M'Gregor to the writer of the above, dated Nassau, 9.7 th Decern- 

her, 1817. (p. 9. J 

" You know my objects." t( On the other side, you have the extract 
of a proclamation about to be published by the person in charge of making 
the settlement. I leave this to-day for England, to arrange my private 
affairs, which, from the many years that I have been in South America, 
ha#e not improved by my absence: my family remains here until my re- 
turn." 



No. 57. e. 

Extract from Proclamation, (p. 10.J 

" Inhabitants of the Floridas! I expect soon to see general M'Gregor 
among you again, he was animated by a sincere wish for your happiness, 
and only desired to see you free from the yoke of Spain, in order that you 
might legislate for yourselves." 



192 [65] 



No. 58. 

Extracts from the Minutes of the Proceedings of the Court Martial, in 

the trial of Armbrister. 

From the, examination of John Lexvis Phenix, a zvitness on the part of 

the prosecution. 

Question by the Court. Did you ever understand by whose 
authority, and for what purpose the accused came into the country? 

Answer. I have frequently heard him say, he came to attend 
to Mr. Woodbine's business at the bay of Tampa. 

From the examination of John J. Arbuthnott, a witness on the part of 

the prosecution. 

" And that the prisoner stated to him, that he had come to the 
country on Woodbine's business, to see the negroes righted." 

Question by the Prisoner. Did you hear me say that I came on 
Woodbine's business? 

Answer. I did." 

From the examination of Peter B. Cook, a witness on the part of the 

prosecution. 

«' The prisoner told the witness, that he had been a lieutenant 
in the British army, under colonel Nicholls. The prisoner was sent 
by Woodbine to Tampa, to see about those negroes, he had left there. 
The prisoner told the witness that he had written a letter to gover- 
nor Cameron, for ammunition for the Indians, some time in March, 
and also told the witness, that he had a commission in the Patriot 
army, under M'Gregor, and that he had expected a captaincy." 



[65] 193 

No. 59. 

Jrmbrister's Memorial to the Duke of York. 

Bahama Island. 

To his Royal Highness, Frederick, Duke of York, Commander in Chief, 

&c. &?c. fc?c. 

The memorial of Robert Chrystie Armbrister, of the Island of New 
Providence, gentleman, humbly shevveth: 

That your memorialist, a British subject, and son of James 
Armbrister, Esquire, lieutenant colonel, and commanding the militia 
of New Providence, having served for nearly four years past, as mid- 
shipman in the British navy, on board 11 M, ships Sparrow, captain 
Edward Burt; Rhodean, captain George Mowbray; Reindeer, cap- 
tain J. P. Douglass; and Bramble, captain William P. Poyson; from 
which last mentioned ship he obtained his discharge, in England, in 
1813, and returned to the island ofNew Providence, where his friends 
reside, that major Nicholls, of the royal marines, bavin? shortly after 
arrived at the said island of New Providence, in II. M. ship Hermes, 
in company with H. M. ship Carron, for the purpose of raising recruits 
for a corps, denominated the corps of Colonial Marines, destined to 
serve during the American war, in such parts of the Indian territory, 
bordering upon the United States of America, or in the states them- 
selves, as circumstances should render it necessary; your memorial- 
ist applied for and obtained a commission of auxiliary second lieu- 
tenant in that regiment, which he immediately joined, and proceeded, 
under the command of the said major Edward Nicholls, to Apalachi- 
cola, from whence he proceeded to the Creek nation, where he served 
until those forces were disbanded upo« the termination of hostilities 
with the Americans, when he returned to the said island ot New 
Providen&e. 

And your memorialist further sheweth, that having been assured 
by the said major Nicholls, at the time of his accepting the above 
mentioned commission, (a copy of which he begs leave to annex,) 
that he had no doubt, but that he would be placed upon half pay when 
his services were no longer required; your memorialist is desirou3 
either of obtaining half pay, or of being more actively employed, and 
of obtaining a commission either in one of II. M. West India regi- 
ments, or in such other of H. M. regiments, as to your royal highness 
shall seem fit. 

Your memorioiis! therefore humbly prays your royal highness to 
take into your consideration this his memorial, and he shall ever 
pray. 

ROBERT C ARMBRISTER. 



194 [65] 

No. 60. 
Jlrmbristcr's Commission. 

Auxiliary second lieutenant. — By the honorable sir Alexander 
Cochrane, knight of the Bath, vice admiral of 
[L. S-] the red, and commander in chief of his majes- 

[Alexr. Cochrane.] ty's ships and vessels employed, and to be em- 
ployed, on the North American station, &c. &c. 

To Mr. Robert C Armbrister, hereby appointed auxiliary se- 
cond lieutenant of the corps of Colonial Marines, to be raised upon 
the continent of North America. 

Whereas, I have thought fit to send a detachment of the royal 
marine corps to the Creek Nations, for the purpose of training to 
arms, such Indians and others as may be friendly to, and willing to 
fight under the standard of his majesty: I do, by these presents, con- 
stitute and appoint you an auxiliary second lieutenant, of such corps 
of colonial marines as may be raised upon the continent of North 
America, to hold such local rank while actually employed upon the 
said continent, until further orders. You are, therefore, carefully 
and diligently to discharge the duty of auxiliary second lieutenant, by 
exercising and well disciplining, both the inferior officers and marines 
of the said corps; and I do hereby command them to obey you, as 
their second auxiliary lieutenant. And you are to observe and 
follow such orders and directions from me, or any other of your su- 
perior officers, according to the rules and disciplining of war, in pur- 
suance of the trust hereby reposed in you. 

Given under my hand and seal, at Bermuda, this twenty-fifth 
day of July, 1811, in the fifty-fourth year of his majesty's 
reign. 

By command of the vice admiral. 

(Signed) Wm. Balhetciiet, Secretary. 



No. 61. 
F. B. Cook to Eliz. A. Carney. 

Sahzvohnee, January, 19//;, 18 16. 

My dear Amelia, 

I have embraced this opportunity of writing you, hoping to 
find you well, as leaves me at present, and I am very sorry to inform 



t<55] 



195 



you of the times at present. We are threatened every day by the 
d — d Americans. Not threatened onlv but they have made an at- 
tempt; but we stopped. On 1st December, I marched with thirty men 
to go against them. Afterseven days march, we arrived at the fort. And 
after our men got rested, I went against it. AVe had an engagement for 
four hours, and seeing we could do no good with them we retreated 
and came off. The balls flew like hail stones; there was a ball that 
like to have done my job, it just cleared my breast. For six days and 
six nights we had to camp in the wild woods, and it was constant 
raining night and day, and as for the cold I suffered very much by 
it, in the morning the water would be frozen about an inch thick. 
There was a boat that was taken bv the Indians, that had in 
thirty men, seven women, four small children. There was six 
of the men got char, and one woman saved, and all the rest of 
them got killed. The children were taken by the heels, and their 
brains dashed out against the boat. We have got Mr. Hambly and 
Doyle prisoners, and we are going to send them to Nassau to stand 
their trial, as they have caused all this disturbance. Hambly told 
me that it was published in the American newspapers that they were 
to take possession of the nation in March, and if that be the case you 
will see us sooner than you expected. And if they should come 
when the vessel is away, we shall have to take and run in our ca- 
noes, as we have some very fine ones here. One knows not hardly 
what to do for those d — d puppies as we may call them, for they are 
no better. 

We find that what I have mentioned is ail damned lies. But 
Arbuthnott has threatened my life once or twice, but on my return I 
will punish him by the law. You must excuse my bad writing as I 
am in a hurry. Give my love to your mother and your sister and 
Mrs. Roberts and all inquiring friends. I have nothing more to say 
at present, as times will not admit. 

I remain yours forever. 

[Signed] PETER B. COOK. 

[Addressed on the back to] 

Miss E. Jl. Carney, A"assaa, JWtv Providence. 



No. 62. 
Jirbuthnott to W. Hambly. 

Okolokne Sound, the 3d May, 1817. 

Mr. William Hambly, 

SIR, 

On my return here this day, I received a letter signed by you, 
and dated the 23d March last. As you have taken th trouble of ad* 



19-9 [65] 

vising me, you will, of course, expect my reply; and I embrace the 
opportunity of doing it at length: first let me premise, sir, that when 
you lived at Prospect Bluff, a clerk to Messrs. Forbes and Co. you 
did not consider Cappachimico, M'Queen, or any other of the chiefs 
of the lower Creek nation, as outlaws; does the man whom the at- 
tachment of Cappachimico has saved from the hands of retributive 
justice, presume to call him an outlaw? for shame sir — the most 
hardened villain would not thus calumniate the savior of his life. 
Your generous friend sir, and the other chiefs have called me to this 
country; they insist on the fulfillment of my promise, and as an hon- 
est man, I will endeavor to do it. Let your arm of justice fall on the 
guilty; an honest and upright man who harms no man, and endea- 
vors to do all the good he can, fears no man or judge; his acts are 
open to inspection, and will bear the test of scrutiny. Thus, sir, I 
answer your insinuation, that since my arrival in this country, 1 have 
instigated persons to steal and murder. Ask the lieutenant com- 
manding at fort Gaines, if the letter ] wrote him bears the features of 
an instigator to murder? Ask Opoy Hatcho, if the recommendatory 
note I sent him, by order of Oponey, breathes the strains of a mur- 
derer? Ask Oponey himself, if my language and advice to him, was 
that of a murderer? Ask Mappalichy, a chief residing on the Oc- 
mulge among the Americans, what my advice was. All those will 
contradict your vile insinuation. But Mappalichy informed me, the 
Conhittas were all pleased with the letter, and mj note 0[ . ■ > sent 
them, and perfectly accorded with my sentiments ^1 'living as bre- 
thren, and as one large family, respecting their neighbors, but at the 
same time, at all times ready to protect their property, Yet several 
of them, a few days afterwards, (no doubt influenced by seme hu- 
mane and good man) recanted their promise, and ordered a letter to 
be written me; which letter I presume, I have th day received, 
signed by you. Now sir, if your principles were as ane as mine, 

if you took as much pleasure in fostering amy spark ot friendship, the 
upper Indians may show to their brethren of the lower nation, as you 
do in fomenting the quarrels between them, you would thru be their 
friend and benefactor. You, sir, that speak their language fluently, 
have much in your power, but I fear, you use that power to the inju- 
ry of all, and eventually, to your own ruin. Let me advise you to 
change your tone and mode of acting; how much more creditable 
would it he, for you to propagate friendly actions, and create an at- 
tachment among the Indians of all nations, one to the other, than to en. 
deavor to foment quarrels, and have your emmissaries in ever) quarter 
ofthena'.ion spreading false reports, tending to harras*. and disturb ihem. 
Now, sir, with regard to your and Mr. Doyle's reporting that I am no 
Englishman, and only one of those wild adventurers who risk life and 
property for lucre, be pleased to come down to Okolokne, and 1 will 
show you a letter, written by earl Bathurst to governor Cameron, 
(and which I received from him, to read to the chiefs of the Creek 
nation) an answer to a letter I believe written by you, early in the 
spring of 1816. 



[65} 



19.7 



I shall not reflect on the part you took in blowing up the fort at 
Prospect Bluff; it is not my business. I know the blacks used you 
shamefully, as they did all that went near them, yet I think the re- 
venge you took savors much of savage. 

Do not think sir, that I am to be frightened away from this place, 
while [ have the protection of the Spaniards, and the support of hon- 
est men. An upright man is not easily daunted. 

I keep a copy of this letter, and send a copy of yours with my 
answer, to Opoy Hatcho, and as I am with daily expectation of let- 
ters from New Providence, perhaps they may induce me to write yott 
farther. 



I am Sir, 

Your obt. servt. 



A.ARBUTHNOTT. 



The murders and thefts you talk of, I do not believe. There are 
a parcel of outlaws, calling themselves Americans, who are continu- 
ally coming into the nation, stealing cattle, &c and lately, I hear, one 
was killed out of three, and his horse taken, and publicly sold, while in 
the act of stealing and driving off cattle. 

A. A. 



No. 63. 
Indian Talk. 

To our good brother the chief Tustonaky Thlucco, the Big Warrior. 

Your brothers, chiefs of the Creek nation, whose names are put 
to the talk we now send you, have found it necessary to hold the same, 
that their sentiments and opinions may be known to all their red 
brethren of the four nations, and stop the mouths of bad men, who 
are continually sending false and bad talks to us, as well as to our 
brethren, for the purpose of making ill blood between us. Know 
then, we h?ve met at Okolokne Sound, with our warriors and young 
chiefs, and have held our talk, which is this: 



198 [65] 

The red brethren of the four nations are all descended from the 
same fathers, and ought to live as brothers; and for this reason, we 
now take them by the hand, to live henceforth at peace, and united to 
each other, and let no bad talks be listened to, or come among us. 

When colonel Nicholls, the English officer, was last among us, 
went away, he gave us a good talk, desiring us to live well with all 
our brethren, and never permit ill blood to be between us, and to re- 
spect the Americans that were our neighbors, and not molest or per- 
mit our people to steal. We have carefully kept this talk, followed 
his advice, &c. 

It is nearly three years since we received a white bead from the 
Cherokees. We have held it sacred, and it has been in our 
at all our talks; we now send you, that you may forward vo their head 
Minichico Mico, a pipe from his old friends; you will also send him 
the present talk, and from him let it be sent to the Ghicasaws, and 
from rhem to the Choctaws. 

Colonel Nicholls promised us to send people from England to 
keep stores in different parts of the nation, to furnish us with goods; 
he had found people willing to come, but when they heard that the 
fort of Apalachicola was destroyed, they were fearful of coming, and 
withdrew their promise. 

Let us protect all white men that give us good talks, but let us 
not regard or listen to those who give us bad ones, but rather send 
them from among us; for he must be a bad man who wishes ill blood 
between brothers. 

From this time, therefore, let us not listen to any bad talks; let 
us all hold each other fast by the hand of peace, and each brother hold 
the other in his heart. 

This is sent with a good will, and will be kept by us. 

Opoithlamico 

Cappachimico 

Inhimathlo, Fowltown 

Charle Tustonaky 

Otos Mico 

Ochacona Tustonaky 

Euchy Tustonaky 

Imathluche 

Inhimathluche, Palo Chipely 

Lahoihimathlo 

Homathle Mico 

Talmuches Hatcho 

Hillisajo. 



[65] 

No. 64. 

Arbmhnott to Mr. Bagot. 

[Found with Arbuthnott's papers.] 

The hon. Charles Bagot, 

His Britannic Majesty's Ambassador, Washington. 

SIR, 

On my return to this from the Indian nation, about a month 
since, I received a letter from Mr. Moodie, annexing an extract from 
a letter of your excellency, and which in future shall be attended to, 
when I have occasion to write on Indian affairs. 

As I am now especially authorized by the chiefs, whose names 
I beg leave to annex to the present, to make such representations as 
may be of service to the nation; and learning by the copy of a letter 
from the right honorable earl Bathurst, handed me by his excellency 
governor Cameron, that your excellency is instructed to watch over 
the interests of the tour nations, I shall take the liberty to lay before 
your excellency such matters as have come under my own observa- 
tion, and what has been reported to me by chiefs, in whose- veracity 
I can place some confidence. On my arrival at Okolokne Sound last 
January, I was met by several of the principal chiefs, who reiterated 
the complaints that were stated to your excellency in their letter of 
last November. On the Chattachouche particularly, they stated the 
Americans were descending in numbers, driving the poor Indian 
from his habitation. The report was confirmed some weeks after, by 
Otis Mico, the chief of the town of Elan tiallaway, on the Chatta. 
houchy, who informed me, that the officer commanding at fort Gaines 
had repeatedly sent messages to him, desiring he would submit to 
live under the American government, and threatened, that his non- 
compliance would force him to turn the guns of the fort against the 
town and drive them out; these threats and swarms of American set- 
tlers descending, drove the poo^&idians from their homes, and thirty- 
six fields in a state of cultivation, were occupied by the new settlers; 
and where the houses stood, the plough has passed over. 

On the C'hoctahatchy, which is far within the Indian territory, 
Americans have formed a large settlement, which, if persisted in, 
will soon drive the Indians to the extremity of the peninsula. 

Agreeably to the treaty between Great Britain and America, the 
latter were to confine themselves to the same boundaries they enjoy- 
ed in 1811, prior to the war- — this they have not done, but encroach- 
ed on almost every point of the Indian territory; the chi<--h chink that 
it is imnossible the conduct of the persons acting so contrary to the 



200 [65] 

treaty, can be known to the American government; and the more to- 
blind the government, and to mislead them as to the true state and 
disposition of the Indians, they are continually spreading reports in 
the public Gazettes of Georgia, &c. of cruelty committed b< the Semi- 
nole Indians, on inhabitants living on the borders of the Uniud Status; 
whereas, it is persons with back settlements of Georgia, who enter 
the Seminole territory in large parties to steal cattle, which they fre- 
quently drive off in gangs of 50 and 100 at a time, and if in these ex- 
cursions the Indians meet them, and oppose these predatory plun- 
ders, blood sometimes has been spilt, which was the case in April 
last, when a partv of Mickasuky Indians, met thtee men driving off \ 
cattle, and attacked them, killing one, and retaking the cattle. But 
those blood- thirty, back settlers of Georgia, soon retaliated on the 
poor Indians, for early in June they returned to plunder, and meeting 
with an Indian encampment, they killed one man, another making his 
escape, they pursued him to another encampment, where they killed 
two others and a boy; -the boy they scalped. Early in July, a head 
man of tiu town of Sahwahnee, was killed on St. John's river while 
hunting, but the chief does not reckon the persons who killed him, 
true Americans. For the better showing your excellency how those 
poor Indians are abused, I beg leave to enclose you paragraphs taken 
from American papers, the whole of which are complete fabrications, 
tending to mislead the American government. I also beg your ex- 
cellency's attention to a letter from an American officer dated at fort 
Gaines, with Cappachimico, the head chief of the Seminoles' an- 
swer thereto, but notwithstanding it is stated to be by authority of 
the President of the United States, the gentleman waited no time to 
receive an answer, but prior to the chief's messenger arriving at the 
fort, had continued his road for St. Mary's, leaving them ignorant of 
what talk he was authorized to give them, and I have since learnt, 
that Mr. Dlnkins was an officer of general Jackson's staff, travelling 
through the nation. 



No. 6b. 



.2. Jrbuthnott, to a person of rank in England; taken from the (Lon- 
don J Times newspaper, of 7th Jiugnst, 1818. 

Sawahnee, Lower Creek Nation, 

January SO, 1818. 

When I last took the liberty of writing to you> by the desire of 
the chiefs of the Creek nation, I little expected that war would so 



[65] 



201 



soon have commenced between the Americans and them; it is, how- 
ever, actually begun, by the wanton aggressions of the former, in an 
attack on Fowl Town, during the night. Though this wanton at- 
tack has been disavowed by general Mitchel, the American agent for 
Indian affairs, and he has made reparation for the injury and loss 
sustained by Inhilmathla, and his people, yet the continued aggres- 
sions of the Americans, and the numbers pouring into the nation, 
not from the land side alone, but from Mobile, and elsewhere, bv the 
Appalachicola river, have compelled the Indians to take arms as their 
only resource from oppression. 

Your friend Hillisajo, has been called by his people to put him- 
self at their head, and he is now encamped at Spanish Bluff, the re- 
sidence of Doyle and Hambly, which is now in the possession of the 
Indians, with from 10O0 to 1200 men; those men are principally Red 
Sticks, who ate scattered about in the nation, and who have collected 
and put themselves under his command, with a few hundred Upper 
Indians, who have joined them. 

I cannot allow myself to believe, that those encroachments on 
Indian territory, are made with the knowledge of the American gov- 
ernment, and general Mitchell's conduct and message to Kinadjee, 
assure me it is not so. But there are persons who wish to get hold of 
the Indian lands, and they stick at no means, however cruel and op- 
pressive, to obtain their ends. General Gaines's letter of August last, 
to Kinadjee, clearly shows that he and general Jackson are deter- 
mined, if possible, to get hold of the whole Indian lands. After false- 
ly accusing them of murders, thefts, burning houses, &c. he says, but 

there is something out of the sea, a , with forked tongues, whip 

him back before he lands, for he willl be the ruin of you yet. Per- 
haps you do not know what or whom I mean. I mean the name of 
Englishman. 

The other contents of this letter, plainly show me that those two 
generals have formed a plan of possessing thtmselves of the whole 
Indian lands. That this plan has originated with Forbes, Inneraritys, 
or those of their subordinate agents, I have little doubt, as every part 
of the conduct of those inferior actors, shows they have been employ- 
ed for the express purpose of rooting out the poor Indian from his 
paternal inheritance. The report of Hambly having made sales, in 
the name of the chiefs, of all the lands from Pensacola to St. Augus- 
tine, comes from St. Marks' fort. I shall soon be there, and learn 
from what source they derive their information. 

That false and improper sales have been made, I have no doubt; 
without such had been the case, the Americans would have never 
poured into the Indian nation by the Appalachicola. 

It is reported that John Forbes has withdrawn from all Indian 
concerns; but the Inneraritys are enough, with their subordinate 
agents, to disturb the whole Indian nation; and I have not the least 
doubt, that through them the present troubles come. 
26 



202 [65] 

The chiefs have written to governor Cameron, for a supply of 
munition, and which Kinadjee informs me, Hillisajo, when in Eng- 
land, had orders to demand, in case of actual need. It is really ne- 
cessary the English government should do something for those peo- 
ple. In the late war thev drew them into their quarrel against Ame- 
rica; at the peace, they agreed to see them protected in their rights 
and privileges, and placed on the same footing as before the war; 
since then, they have never troubled themselves about them, thinking 
it enough, that his majesty's ambassador had orders to see that those 
people were protected in their rights and privileges. But how is his 
excellency, the British ambassador, to know if the Indian is righted, 
and permitted to live quietly on his own land? He interdicts the cor- 
respondence of any private individual, on Indian affairs, unless it can 
be put into his hand, without any expense. Does he expect a true 
account of what passes in the Indian nation, from the American go- 
vernment, or from the hireling gazettes of the towns of upper Geor- 
gia? It is the interest of both to deceive, and unless the door is opened 
for British subjects to speak what they know, and instruct his excel- 
lency of such matters, respecting the Creek nation, as thev are cer- 
tain to be true, he can never have the means of judging what is pro- 
per to be done. 

I have, by desire of the chiefs, written to his excellency, the ho- 
norable Charles Bagot, on their affairs, and also governor Cameron, 
■with a demand for a small supply, of which they stand greatly in 
need. I trust, Sir, you will make such representations to his majes- 
ty's government, as the circumstances of the case require, that those 
unfortunate people, who look up to you as their friend, may soon rest 
peaceably and quiet in their country. 

You will pardon the liberty I take, which nothing but the press- 
ing solicitations of Kinadjee, would have induced me to take, and, 
with much respect, 

I am, Sir, your most obedient servant, 

[Signed] A. ABBUTHNOTT. 



No. 66. 

Boleck to governor Coppiuger. 

[Translation from the Spanish translation received from governor 
Coppinger, and communicated by Mr. de Onis, enclosed in his let- 
ter of the 27th March, 1818, to the Secretary of State. For the 
original in English, see No. 49, (court martial proceedings ) 
No. 2.*J 

SIB, 

I had the honor of receiving your letter of September, but the 
impossibility of finding a person to write an answer, is the cause of 
this apparent neglect. 



[65] 



203 



I shall be very happy to keep up a good understanding and cor- 
respondence with you, and I hope you will, when occasion offers, ad- 
vise me of such things as may be of service to myself and my peo- 
ple. My warriors and others who go to St. Augustine, return with 
false reports, tending to harrass and disturb my people, and prevent 
them attending to their usual avocations. At one time, the Ameri- 
cans, supported by a force of 3000 men, and such of our brethren, as 
they have compelled to join them, are running lines far within our ter- 
ritory; at another, they are collecting a large force at fort Mitchell, 
in the forks of the Flint and Chatahouchie rivers, to fall on the towns 
that may not join them. Now, Sir,, we know of no reason they can 
have for attacking an inoffensive and unoffending people, whose wish 
k is to inhabit their woods without disturbing or being disturbed by 
any one. We have none of their slaves; we have taken none of their 
property, since they made peace with our good father king George. 
We have followed the orders of the officer of our father, who was 
among vis, colonel Edward Nicholls, and in no wise molest- 
ed the Americans, though we daily see them encroaching on our 
lands, stealing our cattle, and murdering or carrying off our people. 
We were told by the same officer, that as allies of our father, we were 
included in the treaty of peace between our good father and the 
Americans, and that the latter were to give up all the territory that 
had been taken from us before the war; but so far from complying 
with the 9th article of that treaty, they are making duly encroach- 
ments, and forging treaties, (which they pretend are concluded with 
our people) for cessions and grants of lands, which never were in ex- 
istence, and the signatures of which are unknown to the chiefs of the 
Creek nation, who alone have a right to assign or transfer the com* 
mon property. The want of a proper person among our people, to 
acquaint us with these transactions, is the cause of our long silence 
on them, and leads the world, as well as our friends, to think we are 
in lengue with the Americans. 

The principal chiefs of the nation assembled lately at my town 
of Suhwahnee, and resolved to inform the minister of king George 
at Washington of our grievances, and of the conduct and usurpation 
of the Americans, which was accordingly done, and copies sent to 
Kngland. Until we have one or more persons among our people to 
watch over our rights and interests, we shall continue to be exposed 
to the same conduct on the part of the Americans, whose system ap- 
pears to be, the destruction of our peace and tranquillity, and expel- 
ling us from our native land. 

You desire thatl would chase off those who steal my cattle, &c. 
Some of my people have lately driven away several Americans who 
were endeavoring to settle at Lachua, and I do not doubt they will 
reptesentthat as at? act of hostility, although you well know that La- 
:hua is in the heart of my territory, and was, until the American* 



204 [65] 

killed my brother, aur chief town. I return you my thanks for your 
letter, 

And am with great respect, 

Your most obedient humble servant. 

BOLECK, his x mark. 

Chief of the Seminole nation 

„it Sahwahnee, \%th November ', 1816. 



No. 67. 

Governor Coppinger, to the Chief Boleck (Boivlegs.) 
Friend and brother Boleck, 

Your letter of the 18th of November was delivered to mc 
yesterday by one of your servants, in which you inform me of the re- 
ceipt of mine of the 26th September last, and other circumstances 
which give you and your warriors uneasiness. I see with pain that 
the whole comes from the information of persons in whom vou ouqht 
not to place the smallest confidence, it being their principle to employ 
such opportunities for the pumose of seducing you and your people 
from their claily labors. In consequence of this, and of what you tell 
me of your desire, to keep up the best understanding and correspon. 
dence with me, and of your hope that the opportunities will not be 
wanting, let me giwe you such counsel as may be useful to you, your 
people and warriors. I will do so from the sentiments of sincere 
friendship I bear towards you, fearful however that the sentiments of 
others who came into the territory under the appearance of friend- 
ship, but with bad intentions, may influence your minds and obtain 
your confidence, by their flattering representations. It is ascertained 
here, that two persons have lately presented themselves as commis- 
sioners of the English nation, who have carried off several runaway 
negroes, belonging to subjects of the king my master, and your friend, 
among whom was one of Don BVancisco Pellicer's, and another of 
Mr. Bunck's, both inhabitants of this province. This did not seem 
credible to me, as I could not suppose that so good a friend to our 
nation as you are, could consent to such proceedings; but in case they 
have really happened, you will e sensible of their great impropriety 
and of the just grounds of complaint on the part of the persons so in- 

who are desirous, as well as myself of assuring you of the sin- 



[65] 



205 



cere good will and friendship we have for the Seminole tribe of In- 
dians of which you are the chief, 

I am with great respect, 

Your most affectionate and faithful servant. 

[Signed] JOSE COPPINGER. 

Friend and brother Boleck chietfofthe Seminole tribe of Indians. 
St. Augustine, in Florida, 20th December, 1816. 

A true copy. 



No 68. 

Copy of a sheet of Arbiuhnott's Journal, found ameng his papers. 

October 23d (continued.) They had a long talk with Capt. W» 
and stopped all night — this day meridian, observed in 29, 21, Suah- 
na"ch bearing N. E. 3 miles — 24th Started with two men in boat to 
survey if any entrance to the west branch of the river, found all shal- 
low, pulled boat over the mud and entered W. branch — made poles to 
mark the easternmost outlet, and descended, but could not this day 
find the direct channel through the oyster bank, the tide having flow- 
ed too much — 25th At 2 A. M. wind shifted to east, and by 8 A. M. 
to S. E. when we got under way, and stood off to sea, wind iresh- 
ning and a nasty short sea rising; at 10 tacked in shore, 3 fathoms — 
Suahnach N. E. 7 miles, the north point of the bay N. 10 miles, Ce- 
der Keys south 7 miles — from sundown to midnight, heavy squalls 
with rain and much thunder and lightning; at anchored in 4 fath- 
oms, no wind and heavy swell; 26th first part rainy and squally, at 10 
A. M. got under weigh, Cedar Keys just in sight from deck; stood 
E. N. E. and at 2 P. M. hove too to wait for canoes seen coming off; 
came to anchor in 2 fathoms, 6 canoes came on board full of Indians 
and blacks, Billy and Jack among them, with several negroes that 
were at the Bluff, found that Bowlegs and Doherty had started in a 
canoe last night; this day at meridian, observation good, 29, 13 Cedar 
Keys the outermost bearing E. S. E. 6 miles; at 6 P.M. Bowlegs with 
retinue consisting of 5 canoes, came on board, and continued all 
night, had a very long talk with Capt. W. 27th. The brother in-law 
of Bowlegs deaired captain W. to listen to what he had heard from 
the Spaniards, of the Americans intention of attacking them, they 
wished to live quietly and attend to their cattle &c. but could not for 
the Americans and revolted Spaniards, who daily killed their cattle 



206 [6 5] 

Sec. ^c. This day bought six D. skins, 16 R. skins and 3 lb. wax, pd\> 
in Tafia. Bowlegs and retinue left me at 2 P. M. Captain W, had 
started about an hour before for Suahmch, at 8 P. M. began to blow 
fresh from S. E. continued blowing aP night. 28th at 2 P. M. got un- 
der weigh and stood to sea. 29th Wind N. W. blowing hard and 
squally, all day beating off and on, double reefed foresail, reefed main 
sail &.c. at 4 P. M. struck on a shallow bank, 6 miles S. E. from the 
mouth of the river, bore up and stood off, lowered jib and mainsail, i 
and repaired latter, which had given way near the gat, wore and stood 
in shore and came to anchor io 14 feet water, great Cedar Kev bear- 
ing S E. 6 miles. 30th, at 7 A. M- got under weigh and stood for the 
entrance, between the two large Keys, luffing and bearing away so as 
to keep in 2 fathoms, came to anchor at 9 A. M. a mile and half from 
Islands,, captain went to sound channel, returned and reported chan- 
nel to the southward and that the large island must be brought to bear 
N E. At 11 A. M. a canoe, 2 men, 3 women and their children from 
Cape Anetole; got under weigh, rounded the bank and grounded be- 
tween two banks, where we lav all night. 31st Oct. warped into a 
deep channel with much difficulty, drawing her through the mud, 
wrote W. and Auchisee Indians, and also fishermen; cut poles to 
stake out channel. 1st Novem. wind N. E. extremely cold, again 
warping but did not succeed in getting into anchorage, observed me- 
ridian 29, 11, the south end of the great Cedar Key N. W. by N. 3-4 
mile; the outer or S W. point of the high or south Key S. E. and by 
8. 1 1-2 miles, lay quite dry at low water, at 10 P. M. floated off, and 
stood into a g ^od channel bm laving the warp too tar out she tailed on 
the west side where we lav for the night after housing taught our 
best bower laid in mid channel. 2d. floated off at 10 A. M. and 
pulled up to good anchorage, under the lee of the island, boat went 
to an inshore kev, to look tor water, and returned two casks lull. 

3d. Self and captain on shore until half past 11, A- M. caught 
nothing; observation good, 29, 11; the high part of South Key, due 
E. two miles; the Sandy beach great cedar Key, W. 12 mile; at 
sundown, captain \V. arrived from Suahnack; several canoes with ne- 
groes, at the point, captain returned from fishing on point; some good 
fish. *th. Idle all day; afternoon prepared rum, sugar, coffee, mo- 
lasses, to send Robin Creighton, per colored lad named Charles, see 
note therrof; during the night the wind shifted to the N. and N. N. E. 
drisling rain and very cold. 5th. Wind N. JN. E. rain, and very 
cold, cleared up before mid day; at 4 P. M. two canoes from Suah- 
nack, one came on board, reported Cappachimico, and all the chiefs 
waited for captain W.; prepared sundry articles for Sawhanha, and 
sent canoe oft to get FYanck's canoe to go with captain W. and self. 
6th, at 12, started for Sahwanhce, in Franck's canoe, camped for the 
night at the little island, mouth of the river; a canoe, with several 
men and women, with corn, camped at same place, bound tor schoon- 
er, with corn, he. 7th. 4 A. M. started up the river, at 8, camped, 
and breakfasted at Pin? Bluff, and at 2 P. M. arrived, at Buera land- 



[65] 



207 



ing, 'topic through the pine barren, and lost our way to Christopher 
Town; again getting to the river, at half past four V- M. arrived at 
Roberts; captain W. and guide had arrived a little before; visited 
Cappachimico and M'Queen, at Indian town. 8th. A long talk with 
Indians, their complaints of the conduct of the Americans; M'Queeu 
mentioned they had taken one of his negroes and confined him in the 
fort at the Forks. A chief from Chehaw said, that they had killed 
three Indians in his neighborhood, on their own ground, and taken 
eleven horses; several others staced losses in cattle and horsey, and 

the Seminole chiefs in particular a chief— — - of said, that in con- 

fidence of the treaty being fauhlully fulfilled on the part of the Ameri- 
cans, a half breed man, named Moses, bclore the war, settled near 
the forks, returned to take possession of his fields, and was murder- 
ed by the Americans. The chiefs ordered a letter, in way of memori- 
al, to be written our ambassador in America, and copies to be sent to 
JGngland, representing ; the conduct of Americans; the same was done, 
agreeably to the substance of their talk* read and interpreted to them 
by their own interpreters, aUervvards, each chief put his mark in my 
presence, which I certified. 9th. Cold and clear, Cappachimico, 
M'Queen, and the other chiefs, met, and had a long talk, more fully 
particularising their particular grievances, they also stated the num- 
ber of forts, seven, the Americans had built, and the roads they had 
cut, and were still continuing to cut, within their territory 

M'Queen stated, that M'lntosh and the Couhetta Indians were 
the cause of the Americans' conduct; that after the peace, a deputa- 
tion had been sent up to have a talk with the commander at Fort 
Mitchell, in the forks, who were instructed to inform him of what 
colonel Nicholls had stated to them, with regard to their rights to 
territory, prior to the war, being guaranteed bv the treaty between 
England and the U. States; and to request that he. the commandant, 
would refrain from further encroachments, and give orders that their 
iandj should be respected. The answer they received Irom the com- 
mander was, that it was all true thev had told him, but that he had 
orders to act as he did. A chief of the Fowltovvn Indians stated, 
that the American troops returning from the destruction of the fort 
at Prospect Bluff, burnt one entire town, and murdered several of 
their people, because they would not join them when going down the 
river. The Tiger Warrior, and two other men of note, spoke, stat- 
ing the circumstances of aggression and cruelty that had come to their 
k; wledge. Cappachimico, M'Queen, and the others, further stated 
what reports they had from Doyle, Hambly, &c. and all were of opin- 
ion, and firmly believed, that Hambly, a clerk to, and influenced by 
Forbes, was the cause of the destruction of the fort at the Bluff; and 
that Hambly went down the river as a guide to the American army; 
and was particularly instrumental in its being blown up, as he pointed 
out to the American officers where the magazines were placed, that 
they might play their shells against them. Such few negroes as were 



208 [65] 

saved from the explosion unhurt, were carried off by the American?, 
with cannon, ammunition, arms, &c. that was found in the fort, 

N. B. I take no notice of captain W's talk to the Indians, be- 
cause I doubt much of what he stated was not founded in fact, and 
was only mentioned by him to strengthen the chiefs in their attach- 
ment to the British government. I say no further on this head. Of 
his promises, I fear he has also gone too for; and perhaps at a future 
time, when the Indians find them t/«performed, the rage for their 
disappointment may fall on me, as a party aiding and abetting captain 
W. in his deception. I have gone beyond my promise to captain 
W. I have been deceived in almost every thing; and yet he thinks 
every thing, and person, must be subservient to him. I have had 
himself and aid-decainp on board since the 31st August; in any expe- i 
dition, in canoe or boat, I have supplied his wants. I kept three ne- 
groes on board more than two months, on his account. I presented 
the chiefs for him, and on his account. I have seen my provisions 
taken and given away, when we were on short allowance; for captain 
\V. gives liberally when it is not out of his own pocket, but is extreme- 
ly costive when any thing is wanted from home. 

10th. Cappachimico and M'Queen gave me a note of the most 
necessary articles they wanted immediately, and which I promised 
them to bring, if possible, by the end of December, and land them as 
agreed. Gave them a card, with seals, &c. &c. as a token that when 
they received a messenger with the duplicate thereof in Ji. W. that 
he came with the straight talk from me, made each a present of rum, 
sugar, coffee, and 100 segars Also, the Tiger Warrior and two oth- 
ers, and the rest, had a good lot of segars each, gave them a parting 
glass; took leave at 12 mid day. They all started on horseback. 
The two deputies that go to Nassau with me left behind. 

These men are children of nature; leave them in their forests 
to till th- j ir fields, and hunt the stag, and graze their cattle, their ideas 
will extend no farther; and the honest trader, in supplying their mo- 
derate wants, may make a handsome profit of them. 

They have been ill-treated by the English, and robbed by the 
Americans, cheated by thos<. who have dealt with them, receiving 
goods and other articles, at most exhorbitant prices, for their peltry, 
which has been much undervalued. I say the English ill-treat them: 
afirr making them parties in the war with America, they leave them 
without a pilot, to be robbed and ill-treated bv their natural and sworn 
enemies the Americans. When the English officer, col. Nicholls, 
left Prospect Bluff, on the Apalachicola river, he left particular or- 
ders with Cappachimico and the other chiefs, not on any account to 
enter on the territory of the Americans; while at the same time he 
informed diem, the Americans were to give up that territory they 
had taken possession of during the war; but while he informed the 
Indians how ihey should act, and what the Americans were to do in 
compliance with the treaty, he left no person to guide them in their 
conduct, in case the latter should not comply, or continue to extend 



[65] 



209 



their encroachments, and commit aggressions. When such was the 
case they had none to represent their case to the British government, 
but William Hambly, the clerk of John Forbes, and Doyle, another of 
his clerks, both of whom had long before the conclusion of the war 
sold themselves to the American government, and while they were re- 
receiving British pay, acted as spies to the Americans; these persons 
were not likely to represent the conduct and encroachment of the 
Americans in their true light. No, they attempted to influence the 
chiefs to join the Americans. Doyle stated in a talk at St. Marks, 
that in four years no Englishman durst set his foot in Floridas, 
yet these were the only persons to whom the 'poor untutored Indian 
could apply, to represent their grievances to the British government, 
or any governor of their islands, and it was not likely they, the tools 
of the Americans, would give a just and true account of the Indian 
grievances. Hambly, the Indian interpreter, was ordered to write to 
the governor of New Providence, demanding his interference; and 
by an intercepted letter from his brother, dated at Regla, in February 
last, it appears he had written a letter to New Providence, but to 
whom— 



No. 69. 

Arbuthnott to the commanding officer at fort Games, 

Okolokne Sound, 3d March, 1817. 
To the officer commanding fort Gaines, 

SIR, 

Iamdesiiedby Peter M'Queen, an unfortunate chief, who 
was some years since obliged to fly from his town of Tucky Batche, 
on the Tallapoohatche riv^r, to claim of your friendship, the delive- 
ry of a negro man named Joe, (taken away from him since the peace) 
which he states to be in fort Gaines. When M'Queen left Tucky 
Batche, his property was considerable, both in negroes and cattle, of 
the former, ten grown negroes were taken by a half breed man, named 
Barney, nine of which he learns were sold, and one, a girl, is still in 
possession of said Barney. Twenty able negroes were taken by a chief 
named Colonel, or Auch. Hatche, who acts also as an interpreter; 
and as he never had possession of any of those persons' property, nor 
ever did them any injury to his knowledge, he claims a further proof 
of your friendship, that you will use your influence in procuring those 
negroes for him; and, should they be given up by the persons hold- 
ing them, there is one faithful negro among them, named Charle, 
who will bring them to him at Okolokne river. 

"7 



210 [65] 

The American head men and officers that were accustomed to 
live near him, can testify to his civility and good fellowship with 
them, and there are none of them, he is convinced, that would not serve 
him, if in their power; as he owes nothing, nor ever took any per- 
son's property, none have a right to retain his, and he hopes that 
through your influence, those persons now holding his negroes, will 
be induced to give them up. 

While I am thus advocating the cause of one unfortunate indi- 
vidual, allow me to claim an extension of your philanthropy to all the 
Indians within your circle, by your representing to them the folly ot 
their quarrels, and that they ought to live quietly and peaceably wit<h 
each other. 

The lower Creeks seem to wish to live peaceably and quietly, 
and in good friendship with the others; but there are some designing 
and evil minded persons, self interested; who are endeavoring to 
create quarrels between the upper and lower Creek Indians, contra- 
ry to their interest, their happiness, and welfare; such people belong 
to no nation, and ought not to be countenanced by any government. 

The head chiefs request I will inquire of you, why American 
settlers are descending the Chattahoochie, driving the poor Indian 
from his habitation, and taking possession of his home and culti- 
vated fields. 

Without authority, I can claim nothing of you; but a humane and 
philanthropic principle guiding me, I hope the same will influence 
you, and if such is really the case, and that the line marked out by 
the treaty of peace between Great Britain and the United States, res- 
pecting the Indian nations has been infringed upon by the subjects of 
the latter, that you will represent to them their improper conduct, 
and prevent its continuance. 

I hold in my possession a letter received from the governor of 
New Providence, addressed to him by his Britannic majesty's chief 
secretary of state, informing him of the orders given to the British 
ambassador at Washington, to watch over the interests of the Indian 
nations, and see that their rights are faithfully attended to, and pro- 
tected agreeably to the treaty of peace, made between the British 
and Americans. 

lam in hopes that ere this, there is arrived at New Providence, 
a person from Great Britain, with authority to act as agent for the In- 
dian nations, and if so, it will devolve on him, to see that the boun- 
dary lines, as marked out by the treaty, are not infringed upon. 

Ik op* you will not think these observations, made by desire of the 
chiefs, any; mproper interference, and requesting the favor of an an- 
swer', 

Tarn respectfully, sir, 

Your obt. servant, 
[Signed] A. ARBUTHNOTT. 



[65] 211 

P. S. M'Queen states, that the offspring of the negroes, when he 
left Tucky Batche, were seven of those taken by Barney, and nine of 
those taken by Auche Hatchi, and he supposes they have increased. 



No. 70. 

Ji. Culloh to Jkrbuthnotty (answer to No. 69. J found among' Arbutii- 

nott's papers. 

Fort Gaines, 1st May 1817. 

DEAR SIR, 

On being informed by the commanding officer, that you had 
written in behalf of Peter M'Queen, for a negro man once in the pos- 
session of myself at this place, requiring the return of said negro to 
(as you said) the rightful owner; I take the liberty of informing you, 
that the said negro is now at Fort Hawkins, Oakmulgee river, claim- 
ed by an American citizen by the name of Bowen White; he remain- 
ed with us, he was a deposit of some of the Indians, to be given to 
the said Bowen when called for. Further of his origin, or manner in 
which he was claimed as property, I can't tell any thing of. You in- 
quired why citizens were descending this river. In answer I say, in 
right of, and conformably to a late treaty between the United States 
and the C-refek nation; for this part of the territory was ceded to us as 
compensation for expenses and aid furnished and incurred by the 
friendly Creek Indians, against M'Queen and his party; not having 
any reference, or touching at any article or part of the treaty between 
the United States and Great Britain. As to M'Queen's having any 
claims on the good feeling and philanthropy of any citizen of the Uni- 
ted States, is mock and farce; on the contrary he has incurred both 
the ill will and hatred of his own people and them, and has in fact, 
been the cause of the destruction and loss of his native country. 

Your obdt. Servt. 

[Signed] AM. CUIT.OH. 

Ji. Jirbuthnott, 
Oakalokiny Sounds Florida Keys. 



212 [65j 

No. 71. 

Copy of a paper without date or signature, found among ArbulhnoW *s 
papers — supposed to be the answer to JYo. 4 in the proceedings of 
the court martial on the trial of Arbuthnott. 

It is not in my power to comply with your wishes, without 
the king's command, but you may be assured that I shall lose no time 
in submitting the representation you have now made to the consider- 
ation of his majesty's government. 



No. 72. 

A. Arbuthnott to Gen. .Mitchell, agent of Indian affairs. 

Sahxvahnee, Lower Creek Nation, 19thJan.l813> 

SIR, 

Kenhijee, head chief of the Lower Creek Nation, has call- 
ed on me to request I would represent to you the cruel and oppres- 
sive conduct of the American people living on the borders of the In- 
dian nation,andwhichhewasin hopes, from a talk you were pleased to 
send him some weeks since, would have been put a stop to, and peace 
restored between the Indians and the American people; but far from 
any stop being put to their inroads and encroachments, they are pour- 
ing in by hundreds at a time, not only from the land side, but both 
troops and settlers ascending the Apalachichola river in vessel loads. 
Thus the Indians have been compelled to take up arms to defend 
their homes from a set of lawless invaders. 

Your known philanthropy and good will towards the Indians id 
general, induces the chiefs to hope that you will lose no time in using 
your influence to put a stop to those invasions of their lands and pa- 
ternal birth-right, and also order that those who have already seized 
on their fields may rttire therefrom. The Indians have seized two 
persons known to have been greatly instrumental in bringing the 
Americans down on their lands, and they are now in their posses- 
sion as prisoners: and they have it in report that sales of their lands 
have been made by those two people, without the consent, approba- 
tion, or knowledge, of the chiefs; and from their long residence in the 
nation, and the one having enjoyed great confidence in the nation and 
with the chiefs, as English interpreter, there is some reason to be- 
lieve those reports, when leagued with the swarms of Americans 



[65] 213 

coming from Mobile and other places, seizing the best of the Indian 
lands. Such improper sales have actually been made. 

In taking this liberty of addressing you, Sir, in behalf of the un- 
fortunate Indians, believe me I have no wish bat to see an end put 
to a war, which, if persisted in, I foresee, must eventually be their 
ruin; and as they were not the agressors, if, in the height of their rage 
they commit any excesses, that you will overlook them, as the just 
ebullitions of an indignant spirit against an invading foe. 
I have the honor to be, &c. &c. 

[Signed] A. ARBUTHNOTT. 

By order of Kenhijee and Bowlegs y 
acting for themselves and the other chiefs. 



\ Camp before St. Marks, April 8th, 1818. 

The foregoing letter was produced to A. Arbuthnott, on his ex- 
amination before me, and acknowledged by him to have been written 
by him to Gen. Mitchell, agent of the Creek nation. 

(Signed) ANDREW JACKSON. 

Present, Mr. Fulton, 



SUPPLEMENTARY DOCUMENT. 

Received since the Letter to Mr. Erving was forxvarded, 
[From the Public Ledger and Daily Advertisers London Newspaper, of August 27, 1818.] 

MR. ARBUTHNOTT. 

The following letters, in addition to those already made public, 
tend to show the deep interest which this unfortunate gentleman took 
in procuring redress for what he conceived to be the unproked ag- 
gressions of the American back settlers, on the Indian boundary line. 



214 [65J 



A. Arbulhnolt to the commanding Officer at Fort Gaines. 

Okolokne River, March 3d, 1817. 

[This is an extract from the letter No. 69 in this collection, p. 210 consisting of 
the four paragraphs before the last, which is omitted. See the document No. 69, and the 
answer to it, No. 70] 

Copy of a talk sent from the British Agents in East Florida, to the Btg 
Warrior, head chief of the Creek nation of Indians.* 

" When the English made peace with the Americans, they inclu- 
ded the whole of the Indian nations, viz: Creek, Choctaw, Chicka- 
saw, and Cherokee. Those nations were guaranteed in the quiet 
possession of their lands, and the Americans engaged to give up 
such lands of the Indians as they had taken possession of during the 
war. 

" If they have not done so, or if they have been making further 
encroachments, the chiefs have only to represent their camplaints, 
and the aggressions of the Americans to the governor of New Provi- 
dence, who will forward them to England, or get them conveyed to 
the British minister at Washington, who has orders from the king of 
England, to see that the rights of the nations abovementioned are 
protected, and the stipulations contained in the treaty, in their favor, 
are faithfully carried into execution. 

u The Americans have no wish to go to war; they will not, 
therefore, do any thing contrary to the treaty; and what encroach- 
ments have been made, must be without the knowledge of the chief 
of the American government; and so soon as he is informed thereof 
by the British minister at Washington, he will oruer the American 
people who have taken possession of Indian lands to draw back to their 
own possessions. 

"The Indian nations are all one great family; they possess lands 
their great forefathers handed down to them, and they ought to hand 
them down entire to their children. If they sell their land, what do 
they receive for it? Nothing that will last. It is wasted away in a 
few vears. Whether, therefore, they sell or give it away, they are 
robbing their children of the inheritance they had a right to expect. 
As a great familv, they ought to live as such with each other. Let the 
four nations jpin in bonds of brotherly love; let them smoke the pipe of 
peace; let the cultivation of their lands be their chief object during 
spring and summer, and hunting their diversion during winter; and 
the produce of their labor will be bought by good people, who will 
come and deal with them, when they know there is any thing to be 
purchased for goods or money, 

* [This appears to be the same talk, with the letter to the Little Prince, mention- 
ed in the proceedings of the court martial on Arbuthnott's trial ] 



[65] 



215 



"(Signed) A. ARBUTHNOTT, 

" Okolokne, March 11, 1817." 



I Opo^^Sil^r" C r e *"" iu " have desired me . 
I believe to hi ?h St f"S ht tor them ' what is written in the foreiroini 

w& them to OkolotZ. l%ZZh7jZ"' ', """""' *' W 

so; and^a^ui t a S n d d e had1 h r t ^ Se , e th ° Se *?"•» * h »*<<°- 
! hands with the fLnd who gave k me ^ ^ y ° U ' and shaken 

ought not to be lLen?d , P , Te t"™ 7 ? US a " red brethren . «nd 
Answer as ^^ ££&£ ^ ^ ^ •» d " 



his 



(Signed) OPONEY, * 

mark. 

Wri Mar7h°itr ° f th ^ af ° r ^ id Oponcy, the 11th of 
lv . iviarch, 1817. (Signed) A. Arbutii^tt. 

n itness— (Signed) Aaron Moris. 

*{See Arbmhnott's Journal, No. 68. p. 205.1 




b 6^ 



